EP1362750A2 - Head protection air bag apparatus - Google Patents
Head protection air bag apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1362750A2 EP1362750A2 EP03017752A EP03017752A EP1362750A2 EP 1362750 A2 EP1362750 A2 EP 1362750A2 EP 03017752 A EP03017752 A EP 03017752A EP 03017752 A EP03017752 A EP 03017752A EP 1362750 A2 EP1362750 A2 EP 1362750A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- air bag
- installation
- vehicle
- inflator
- pillar
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
- B60R21/213—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in vehicle roof frames or pillars
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
- B60R13/02—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners
- B60R13/0237—Side or rear panels
- B60R13/025—Pillars; Roof rails
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
- B60R13/02—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners
- B60R2013/0281—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners made of a plurality of visible parts
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/055—Padded or energy-absorbing fittings, e.g. seat belt anchors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/26—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a head protection air bag apparatus mounted in a vehicle.
- the head protection air bag apparatus is provided with a folded air bag in a predetermined location on the interior side of a vehicle.
- an air bag is folded to be housed on an upper edge side of the periphery of an opening on the interior or inner side of a vehicle, that is, in a periphery from a front pillar portion to a roof side rail portion, as described in the Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. Hei 11-321532.
- a gas for inflation supplied by an inflator flows into the air bag from either its front end side or rear end side. Accordingly, it takes a long time for the gas for inflation to reach the terminal end of the air bag, which is located away from the inflator.
- the length of the air bag should be long in a front-rear direction when the air bag is mounted on a vehicle, in vehicles which include several rows of seats for passengers. In this case, it takes a long time for the gas for inflation to reach the air bag terminal end.
- the inflator is disposed on the upper edge side of a periphery of an opening on the inner side of a vehicle between the front pillar portion and the rear pillar portion, that is, in the roof side rail portion.
- the inflator is made of a metal having high rigidity.
- a cover material for covering the inflator to function as a cushion is separately required when disposing the inflator in the roof side rail portion. Preparing the cover material, however, increases the number of components of the air bag as well as the number of processes for installing the air bag apparatus in a vehicle.
- the air bag is folded to be housed on an upper edge side of a periphery of an opening on the inner side of a vehicle so as to extend from the front pillar portion to the rear side passing over the center pillar portion, as described in the Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. Hei 10-138858.
- the air bag in the above Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. Hei 10-138858 is in a folded shape and covered by a door portion of an air bag cover at a location of a roof side rail portion on an upper edge side of an opening on the inner side of a vehicle.
- the door portion is disposed on a lower edge side of a roof head lining.
- the air bag which has been developed and inflated, pushes and opens the door portion of the air bag cover.
- the air bag is developed and inflated so as to cover the inner side of a vehicle of a center pillar garnish at a location of the center pillar portion.
- the center pillar garnish is disposed on the inner side of a vehicle of the center pillar portion.
- a lower edge portion of the air bag cover door portion is connected to the upper edge portion of the pillar garnish of the center pillar portion.
- the lower edge portion of the cover door portion includes a curved portion toward the exterior, or the outer side, of a vehicle.
- the door portion must climb over the upper edge portion of the pillar garnish to be opened when the air bag pushes and opens the door portion.
- the door portion is difficult to open smoothly and thereby, there is a need for improving the quick development and inflation of the air bag.
- One aspect of the invention is to provide a head protection air bag apparatus capable of covering an inflator without increasing the number of components with a cushion characteristic when the inflator is disposed in a roof side rail portion or the like.
- Another aspect of the invention is to provide a head protection air bag apparatus in which an opening operation of a lower edge portion of an air bag cover, which abuts an upper edge portion of a pillar garnish, is made free of restriction so that development and inflation of the air bag can be completed quickly.
- the first aspect of the invention can be achieved by a head protection air bag apparatus having a following structure.
- This head protection air bag apparatus comprises an air bag, an air bag cover for covering the air bag, an inflator for supplying the above air bag with a gas for inflation, fixing elements for fixing the inflator to a body of the vehicle, and an assist grip.
- the air bag is covered by the air bag cover.
- the air bag is folded and housed on the exterior side of the vehicle, relative to the air bag cover, and the gas for inflation from the inflator is emitted into the air bag so that the air bag pushes and opens the air bag cover as the air bag is developed and inflated.
- the inflator is disposed at a location toward the exterior, or outer side, of the vehicle body relative to the assist grip when fixed to the vehicle body.
- the assist grip is used as a cover material of the inflator.
- the assist grip which is properly provided with a core material made of a metal, is provided on its surface side with a cushioning cover layer made of a soft synthetic resin such as soft vinyl chloride and urethane.
- a passenger will impact the assist grip, which has the characteristic of a cushion, in situations when the passenger would impact the inflator.
- the impact of the passenger is less injurious than an impact in situations when no assist grip is provided.
- the assist grip itself is a component mounted in the roof side rail portion or the like of a vehicle.
- the use of the assist grip in the head protection air bag apparatus does not increase the number of components mounted in a vehicle.
- the inflator can be covered without increasing the number of components.
- the inflator is covered with an assist grip having the characteristic of a cushion even when the inflator is disposed in the roof side rail portion.
- a condition of a location of the inflator disposed toward the outer, or exterior side of a vehicle of the assist grip is that a passenger does not impact the inflator such as would occur in situations where only the air bag cover exists in between the passenger and the inflator.
- the inflator may be disposed either toward the exterior side of a vehicle in a horizontal direction of the assist grip, or also toward the exterior side of a vehicle in an obliquely upper or lower direction relative to the assist grip.
- the inflator and the assist grip are fastened together to be fixed to the body by means of the common fixing elements .
- the numbers of components and installation processes in installing the inflator and the assist grip in the body is decreased.
- the inflator, the assist grip and the air bag cover may be fixed to the body by means of the common fixing elements .
- the air bag cover is also fastened together with the inflator and the assist grip to be fixed to the body. In such arrangement, the numbers of components and installation processes in installing the inflator, the assist grip, and the air bag cover in the body can be decreased.
- a unitary air bag installation body may be formed.
- This air bag installation body is the assist grip, the air bag, the inflator, and the air bag cover are coupled together into a unitary body to be installed into the vehicle body.
- the air bag apparatus is installed within the vehicle body through the installation of the installation body. As a result, the installation operation required for installing the air bag apparatus in a vehicle is be improved.
- a decorative or functional design characteristics of the inner side of a vehicle would not be decreased when interior decoration of the roof side rail garnish and the roof head lining is used for forming the air bag cover.
- the second aspect of the invention is achieved by a head protection air bag apparatus having a following structure.
- This head protection air bag apparatus comprises an air bag and an air bag cover.
- the air bag is folded and housed at an upper location of a pillar portion on the interior, or inner, side of the vehicle body.
- the air bag covers a pillar garnish disposed on the interior side of the pillar portion when developing and inflating.
- the air bag cover is configured to move between a closed and an open position. In the closed position, the cover covers the folded air bag and is opened when pushed by the developed and inflated air bag.
- a lower edge portion of the air bag cover is disposed toward the vehicle interior relative to an upper edge portion of the pillar garnish, and is abutted to the pillar garnish.
- a lower portion of the air bag can immediately open and move to the inner side of a vehicle without climbing over the upper edge portion of the pillar garnish when the developed and inflated air bag pushes the air bag cover.
- an opening operation of the lower edge portion of the air bag cover to be connected to the upper edge portion of the pillar garnish would be smooth, so that development and inflation of the air bag can be completed quickly.
- the pillar garnish is provided with a general portion disposed below the upper edge portion of the garnish, the lower edge portion of the air bag cover is abutted to the pillar garnish in a manner so as to be in a same plane with the general portion of the pillar garnish.
- the decorative and functional design characteristics of the air bag cover and the pillar garnish do not decrease.
- the air bag cover is provided on the inner side of the vehicle and extends from the front pillar portion to the rear pillar portion as one integrated body .
- the air bag cover continuously covers roughly the entire upper edge side of a periphery of an opening on the inner side of a vehicle.
- an air bag installation body is also formed.
- This air bag installation body is the air bag and the air bag cover coupled together for installation in a vehicle body as a unitary body.
- the air bag apparatus is installed within the vehicle body through the installation of the installation body. As a result, the installation operation required for installing the air bag apparatus in a vehicle is improved.
- the upper edge portion of the pillar garnish may be connected to the body so as to fill a space between the pillar garnish and the body.
- the upper edge portion of the pillar garnish prevents the air bag from entering between the pillar garnish and the body when the air bag is developed and inflated, so that the air bag is directed to the lower edge portion side of the air bag cover. Accordingly, the air bag can be smoothly projected to the inner side of a vehicle .
- the air bag cover comprises a door portion, to be opened when pushed by the air bag, and a general portion disposed above the door portion. It is desirable that the general portion of the air bag is provided with a lateral wall portion for filling a space between the general portion of the air bag and the body.
- the lateral wall is disposed above the location between the pillar garnish and the vehicle body where the folded air bag is disposed.
- the lateral wall portion can prevent the air bag from entering between the general portion of the air bag cover and the vehicle body, when the air bag is developed and inflated. Accordingly, the air bag is directed to the door portion of the air bag cover.
- the air bag smoothly projects to the inner side of a vehicle .
- the upper edge portion of the air bag cover covers the interior side of a lower edge portion of the roof head lining that is disposed above the air bag cover. That is, the upper edge portion of the air bag cover is disposed on the interior side of the vehicle, relative to the lower edge portion of the roof head lining, and abutted to the roof head lining.
- the roof head lining can be mounted in a vehicle even when a terminal treatment such as trimming of the roof head lining lower edge portion is insufficient. This is because the upper edge portion of the air bag cover covers the roof head lining lower edge portion.
- the terminal treatment of the roof head lining lower edge portion can be easily performed through this design. A decrease of the appearance of the roof head lining can also be controlled.
- a head protection air bag apparatus M1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 in the first embodiment is mounted in a vehicle having three rows of seats, as shown in Figure 1.
- the head protection air bag apparatus M1 comprises three folded air bags 23. These air bags 23 are provided in the upper edge side of the periphery of an opening W of a door or a window portion on the interior side of a vehicle. Specifically, the above air bags 23 are provided in a roof side rail portion RR, which extents from a front pillar portion FP through a first and second middle pillar portions P1 and P2 to the vicinity of a rear pillar portion RP.
- the head protection air bag apparatus M1 comprises an air bag 23, an inflator 31, an installation bracket 28, an air bag cover 15 and an assist grip 11.
- Each air bag 23 is provided so as to cover respective openings W1, W2, and W3 of each window portion, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. Each air bag 23 is folded and housed on the upper edge side of a periphery of respective opening W1, W2 and W3, respectively.
- Each air bag 23 is woven into a shape of a bag with a thread made of polyamide or polyester, for example, and comprises a main body portion 24 and an installation portion 26.
- the main body 24 is in a roughly oblong board shape and inflates when a gas for inflation flows into from the inflator 31.
- the installation portion 26, which is a flange extending from the main body 24, is provided in the front and rear parts on an upper edge side of the main body portion 24.
- a roughly cylindrical gas flow portion 25 is provided on the upper side of the main body portion 24 so that a gas for inflation can flow into from the inflator 31.
- Each installation portion 26 is further provided with an installation bracket 28 made from a metal plate.
- Each installation portion 26 is installed together with the installation bracket 28 by means of the installation bolt 29 to an inner panel 2 on the roof side rail portion RR.
- the inner panel 2 is provided with a nut 2d for screwing the bolt 29.
- the nut 2d is fixed in a location of an installation hole 2c.
- the inflator 31 supplies the folded air bag 23 with a gas for inflation, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4.
- the inflator 31 is disposed on a side of the upper edge of a periphery of respective openings W1, W2 and W3 toward the exterior of the vehicle O, relative to the assist grip 11, so as to be hidden by the assist grip 11.
- each inflator 31 is disposed toward the exterior of the vehicle O in an oblique direction above the assist grip 11.
- Each inflator 31 comprises a main body portion 32 and a bracket portion 33.
- the main body portion 32 is in a cylindrical shape and emits a gas for installation.
- the bracket portion 33 is made from a metal plate and used for installing the main body portion 32 in the inner panel 2, in the roof side rail portion RR.
- the main body portion 32 comprises a large diameter portion 32a and a small diameter portion 32b.
- the small diameter portion 32b comprises a gas emitting exit 32c.
- the bracket portion 33 comprises a roughly cylindrical grip portion 33a and an installation portion 33c, which is a flange in a shape of a roughly oblong plate.
- the grip portion 33a comprises a sleeve that grips and holds the main body portion 32.
- On an inner circumference side of the grip portion 33a there is a plurality of pressing portions 33b projected for gripping the main body portion 32. These pressing portions 33b shorten a diameter by plastic deformation to press an outer circumference surface of the main body portion 32. As the result, these pressing portions 33b grip the main body portion 32.
- the installation portion 33c is in a shape of a roughly oblong plate and extends downward from the grip portion 33a.
- the installation portion 33c comprises installation holes 33d provided in two places.
- An installation bolt 35 passes through each installation hole 33d.
- the installation bolts 35 are used for installing the inflator 31 in the interior panel 2 on a side of a body 1.
- the interior panel 2 is provided with a nut 2b for screwing the bolt 35.
- the nut 2b is fixed in a location of an installation hole 2a.
- each air bag 23 is coupled to a small diameter portion 32b of the inflator main body portion 32a .
- Each gas flow portion 25 uses a clamp not shown in drawings to be connected to the small diameter portion 32b.
- the air bag cover 15 is longitudinally disposed in the location of the roof side rail portion RR extending from the front pillar portion PF through the first and second middle pillar portions P1 and P2 to the rear pillar portion RP as shown in Figures 1 through 4.
- the air bag cover 15 is disposed between the lower edge side of a roof head lining 5 and the upper edge side of the openings W1, W2 and W3.
- the air bag cover 15 is made of a synthetic resin and comprises a door portion 21 and a general portion 16.
- the door portion 21 is disposed on the lower edge side of the cover 15 so that each air bag 23 can press and open the door portion 21 when the air bag 23 is developed and inflated.
- the general portion 16 is disposed on the upper side of the door portion 21.
- the installation portions 17 and 18 comprise bottom wall portions 17a and 18a that are projected toward the exterior side of a vehicle O.
- the bottom wall portions 17a and 18a comprise installation holes 17b and 18b.
- Each installation portion 17 is a portion to be fixed to the inner panel 2.
- Each installation portion is a projection that includes an interior socket.
- the installation portion 17 is fastened on the inner panel 2 together with an installation portion 12 of the assist grip 11, and the bracket portion 33 of the inflator 31, through the use of an installation bolt 35.
- Each installation portion 18 is also a portion to be fixed to the inner panel 2.
- the installation portion 18 is fastened on the inner panel 2, together with the installation portion 26 of each air bag 23, through the installation bolt 29.
- Each installation portion 18 may include a fixed cap 18c.
- the cap 18c hides the bolt 29, which is used for fastening the installation portion 18 and the air bag installation portion 26 together on the inner panel 2.
- the assist grip 11 is provided in the vicinity of the upper side of a center part of respective openings W1, W2 and W3, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4.
- Each assist grip 11 includes a hand grasping grip portion 13 for gripping by a passenger and an installation portion 12 disposed on both ends of the grip portion 13.
- Each assist grip 11 comprises a core material 11a made from a metal plate and a cover layer 11b.
- the core material 11a is used for maintaining the shape of the assist grip 11.
- the cover layer 11b is a thick layer made of a soft synthetic resin such as soft vinyl chloride and urethane, which covers the core material.
- Each installation portion 12 comprises an installation hole 12a through which the installation bolt 35 passes.
- Each installation portion 12 is roughly formed in a shape of a section of a cone so as to be fitted into a socket location on the interior side of a vehicle of each installation portion 17 of the air bag cover 15.
- a cap 12b is typically fixed in each installation hole 12a. The cap 12b hides the bolt 35, which is used for fastening the installation portion 12, the installation portion 17, and the installation portion 33c to the inner panel 2.
- each air bag 23 is typically, initially folded .
- the flat developed air bag 23 in a deflated condition is folded in a shape of bellows with convex and concave folding lines so that the lower edge side of the main body portion 24 is adjacent to the upper edge side thereof.
- a tape material 27, which is capable of being torn and which is for preventing the air bag 23 from losing its folded shape, (referring to Figures 5 and 6) is wrapped at a predetermined interval.
- the installation bracket 28 is also installed in each installation portion 26.
- each gas flow portion 25 is not folded Then, the small diameter portion 32b of each inflator main body portion 32 is connected to the gas flow portion 25 by the use of a clamp not shown in the drawings.
- a diameter of the inflator grip portion 33a is shortened so that the bracket portion 33 would hold the main body portion 32.
- the inflator bracket portion 33 is disposed in a location toward the exterior side of a vehicle O of each installation portion 17 of the air bag cover 15, as shown in Figure 5.
- the installation portion 12 of the assist grip 11 is fitted into a socket within each installation portion 17.
- each installation bolt 35 passes through the installation holes 12a, 17b and 33d.
- a washer-shaped spring plate nut 37 is fitted into a male screw portion 35b of each bolt 35.
- the cap 12b is fitted into a periphery of the installation hole 12a on the interior side of a vehicle.
- the spring plate nut 37 is formed from a thin spring plate. The nut 37 can be easily fitted into the male screw portion 35b so that the nut 37 would be unable to drop off.
- the air bag installation portion 26 is disposed in a location proximate to each installation portion 18 of the air bag cover 15 toward the exterior side of a vehicle O.
- the installation bracket 28 has been already fixed to the installation portion 26.
- Each installation bolt 29 passes through the installation holes 18b and 26a.
- the spring plate nut 37 is fitted into a male screw portion 29b of each bolt 29.
- the cap 18c is fitted into a socket location of the installation portion 18 on the interior side I of a vehicle.
- the caps 12b and 18c are detached first. Then, a male screw portion 35b of each installation bolt 35 is screwed in the nut 2b disposed in a location of each installation hole 2a of the inner panel 2. A male screw portion 29b of each installation bolt 29 is also screwed in the nut 2d disposed in a location of each installation hole 2c of the inner panel 2. After that, the cap 12b is fixed to each installation portion 12, while the cap 18c is fixed to each installation portion 18. As a result, the head protection air bag apparatus M1 can be mounted in a vehicle through the installation of the air bag installation body A in the roof side rail portion RR.
- each inflator main body portion 32 is connected to an operation signal inputting line, which extends from an air bag controlling circuit and which is not shown in the drawings.
- an operation signal inputting line which extends from an air bag controlling circuit and which is not shown in the drawings.
- each inflator 31 When each inflator 31 is activated after the head protection air bag apparatus M1 is installed in a vehicle, a gas for inflation is emitted from the gas emitting exit 32c of the inflator main body portion 32.
- the gas for inflation flows into each air bag main body portion 24 through the gas flow portion 25 so that each air bag main body 24 would inflate.
- each air bag main body portion 24 tears the tape material 27 as well as pushes the door portion 21 of the air bag cover 15 to open it.
- Each main body portion 24 is developed and inflated so as to cover the openings W1, W2 and W3.
- each air bag 23 can be developed and inflated quickly until it completely develops into a shape such that respective openings W1, W2 and W3 are covered.
- One or two air bags may be used, provided that the above is not taken into account.
- the inflator 31 is also arranged to be disposed in a predetermined location toward the exterior side of a vehicle of the assist grip 11. In the case of using two air bags, one of the air bags covers at least two of the openings W1, W2 and W3 while the other covers the remaining opening . In the case of using one air bag, the air bag covers all of the openings W1, W2 and W3.
- each inflator 31 is disposed in a location toward the exterior side of a vehicle O relative to the assist grip 11 to be fixed to the body 1. That is, each assist grip 11 functions as a cover material for the inflator 31.
- the assist grip itself is provided with the core material 11a made of a metal, while it is provided on its surface side with the cover layer 11b made of a soft synthetic resin such as soft vinyl chloride and urethane.
- a passenger will impact the assist grip, which has the characteristic of a cushion, in situation when the passenger would impact the inflator.
- the impact of the passenger is less injurious than an impact in situations when no assist grip is provided.
- the assist grip 11 itself is, of course, a component mounted in the roof side rail portion RR of a vehicle.
- using the assist grip 11 as a cover material for the inflator 31 does not increase the number of components mounted in a vehicle.
- the inflator 31 can be covered without increasing the number of components with the characteristic of a cushion even when the inflator 31 is disposed in the roof side rail portion RR.
- the inflator 31 and the assist grip 11 use a common installation bolt 35, which passes through the installation holes 12a and is fixed to the inner panel 2 of the body 1. Accordingly, the numbers of components and installation processes required in installing the inflator 31 and the assist grip 11 in the body 1 is decreased.
- the installation bolt 35 passing through the installation holes 12a, 33d and 17a, is used together with the inflator 31 and the assist grip 11 so that the air bag cover 15 is also fixed to the body 1. Accordingly, the numbers of components and installation processes in installing the inflator 31, the assist grip 11 and the air bag cover 15 in the body 1 can be further decreased.
- the air bag apparatus M1 comprises the air bag installation body A.
- the air bag installation body A is formed by installing the assist grip 11, the air bag 23, the inflator 31 and the air bag cover 15 by means of the installation bolts 35 and 29 and the spring plate nut 37.
- the air bag installation body A can be installed to the inner panel 2 on a side of the body 1 as one body. That is, it is possible to install the air bag apparatus M1 in a vehicle only by installing the air bag installation body A having been formed into one body in a vehicle. Accordingly, the operation required for installing the air bag apparatus M1 in a vehicle is improved. After the air bag installation body A is formed into one body, the effort involved in handling the body, for example in transportation and control, are simplified.
- the air bag cover 15 fills a space between the upper edge side of the openings W1, W2 and W3 and the roof head lining 5, on the interior side of a vehicle I of the roof side rail portion RR. That is, the air bag cover 15 can be provided as the roof side rail garnish 9. Thus, the air bag cover 15 would not decrease the decorative design characteristics of the interior side of a vehicle I.
- an air bag cover 15A is formed into one body on the lower edge side of the roof head lining 5.
- a structure of an air bag 43, an inflator 51, an assist grip 11A (11A1, 11A2 and 11A3) and a portion of a part of the air bag cover 15A is somewhat different from the first embodiment.
- the air bag cover 15A is formed into one body with the roof head lining 5.
- the air bag 43 is woven into a shape of a bag, as was the case in the first embodiment.
- a single air bag 43 is used to cover the interior side of a vehicle from a vicinity of the front pillar portion FP to the rear pillar portion RP, as shown in Figures 7 and 12.
- the air bag 43 comprises two gas flow portions 45 and 46, which are disposed in a vicinity of the front and rear ends on the upper edge side of the air bag 43.
- a main air bag body portion 44 comprises a front inflation portion 44a continuously connected to the gas flow portion 45 and a rear inflation portion 44b continuously connected to the gas flow portion 46.
- On the upper edge side of the main body portion 44 a plurality of installation portions 47 are provided with an installation hole 47a, as was the case of the air bag 23.
- An installation bracket 28 (see Figures 10 and 11) is fixed at each installation portion 47.
- a belt portion 48 is connected to the front side of the main body 44.
- the front end of the belt portion 48 is connected to the inner panel 2 of the front pillar portion FP by means of a bolt 49.
- the belt portion 48 projects from the lower edge side of the front pillar garnish 4 when the air bag develops and inflates.
- the belt portion 48 causes tension in the front-rear direction on the lower edge side of the air bag 43. When the tension is caused, movement of the air bag 43 to the exterior side of a vehicle O can be limited.
- Each installation portion 47 is installed in the inner panel 2 of the roof side rail portion RR separately from the air bag cover 15A by means of the installation bolt 29, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. This installation is different from the first embodiment.
- the installation bolt 29 is screwed in a nut 2d provided in a location of an installation hole 2c.
- the inflators 51 are disposed in two locations on the upper edge side of the periphery of respective openings W1 and W3, as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 11. Each inflator 51 is disposed toward the outer, or exterior side of a vehicle O, relative to the assist grips 11A1 and 11A3 so as to be hidden by the assist grips 11A1 and 11A3, respectively. In the case of the embodiment, each inflator 51 is disposed toward the outside of the vehicle O in roughly horizontal direction of the assist grips 11A1 and 11A3. Each inflator 51 comprises a cylindrical main body portion 52 for emitting a gas for inflation and a bracket portion 53.
- the main body portion 52 comprises a large diameter portion 52a and a small diameter portion 52b having a gas emitting exit 52c, as was the case of the inflator 31 in the first embodiment.
- the bracket portion 53 is made from a metal plate and is used to install the main body portion 52 to the inner panel 2 in the roof side rail portion RR.
- the bracket portion 53 comprises a roughly cylindrical grip portion 53a, an installation portion 53c in a shape of a roughly oblong plate, and an installation portion 53e.
- the installation portion 53e is provided in a grip portion 53a.
- the grip portion 53a includes a plurality of pressing portions 53b that project to the inner circumference side of the grip portion. These pressing portions 53b reduce the inner diameter by plastic deformation to grip and hold the main body portion 52.
- the installation portion 53c extends upward from the grip portion 53a.
- the installation portion 53c is provided with installation holes 53d disposed in two places.
- An installation bolt 55 is used for installing the inflator 51 in the inner panel 2 on a side of a body 1.
- the installation bolt 55 passes through each installation hole 53d.
- Each installation bolt 55 is screwed in a nut 2f of the inner panel 2.
- the nut 2f is provided in a location of an installation hole 2e.
- the installation portion 53e is provided for installing the assist grips 11A1 and 11A3 and the air bag cover 15A.
- the installing portion 53e is provided with installation holes 53f disposed in two places. In the location of each installation hole 53f, a fixed nut 53g, is provided for the installation bolt 35.
- the assist grip 11A is made of a soft synthetic resin such as soft vinyl chloride and urethane.
- the assist grip 11A comprises a center grip portion 13 and installation portions 12 disposed on the both ends of the grip portion 13.
- Each installation portion 12 is provided with an installation hole 12a through which the installation bolt 35 passes.
- a fixed cap 12b is disposed for hiding a head of the bolt 35.
- the assist grip 11A is disposed on the interior side of a vehicle I in the roof side rail portion RR on the upper edge side of respective openings W1, W2 and W3, as was the case of the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 to 9.
- Each inflator 51 is disposed toward the outer, or exterior side of a vehicle O in a roughly horizontal direction of the assist grips 11A1 and 11A3 at the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively.
- the assist grips 11A1 and 11A3 are disposed on the upper edge side of the openings W1 and W3, and are installed in the inflator 51 by means of the bolt 35, as shown in Figures 7 and 8.
- the air bag cover 15A is disposed between the respective assist grips 11A1 and 11A3 and the inflator 51.
- the bolt 35 is screwed in the nut 53g of the installation hole 53f of the inflator installation portion 53e, after having passed through the installation holes 12a and 17b.
- the assist grip 11A2 is disposed on the upper edge side of the opening W2, and is installed in the inner panel 2 by means of the bolt 35, as shown in Figures 7 and 9.
- the air bag cover 15A is disposed between the assist grip 11A2 and the inner panel 2.
- the bolt 35 used for installing the grip 11A2 is screwed in a nut 2b provided in the inner panel 2 in the roof side rail portion RR.
- the nut 2b is fixed in a location of an installation hole 2a.
- an installation portion 17 is provided in a location for disposing the installation portion 12 of each assist grip 11A, as was the case of the first embodiment.
- the installation portion 17 comprises an installation hole 17b through which the installation bolt 35 passing.
- the installation portion 18 in the first embodiment is not provided in a location for disposing each installation portion 47 of the air bag 43.
- the air bag 43 is first folded in a shape of bellows as was the case of the first embodiment. Then, the air bag 43 is wrapped with a tape material, not shown in the drawings, and an installation bracket 28 is fixed in each installation portion 47. The respective gas flow portions 45 and 46 are connected to the small diameter portion 52b of the inflator 51 by means of a clamp not shown in the drawings. As a result, the air bag installation body B, comprising the air bag 43 and the inflator 51 (see Figure 11), is formed.
- Each installation bolt 55 is screwed in the nut 2f, which is in a location of the installation hole 2e of the inner panel 2, after having first passed through the installation hole 53d.
- each installation bolt 29 is screwed in the nut 2d, which is in a location of the installation hole 2c of the inner panel 2, after having first passed through the installation hole 47a.
- the top end of the belt 48 is fixed in the inner panel 2 in the front pillar portion FP by means of the bolt 49.
- the installation of the air bag 43 in the inner panel 2 is accomplished through the installation of the air bag installation body B in a vehicle.
- a roof head lining 5 that includes the air bag cover 15A is formed into one body, and a front pillar garnish 4 and a first and second middle pillar garnishes 7 and 8 of the front pillar portion FP, the first and second middle pillar portions P1 and P2, and the rear pillar portion RP are installed in a vehicle.
- the air bag apparatus M2 is mounted in the vehicle.
- each assist grip 11A is installed in the air bag cover 15A in advance by means of the bolt 35 and a spring plate nut 37. That is, a male screw portion 35b of the bolt 35 passes through the installation holes 12a and 17b of the respective installation portions 12 and 17 so that the nut 37 is fitted in each male screw portion 35b. At this time, a bolt head 35a and the nut 37 grip the installation portions 12 and 17 of each assist grip 11A and the air bag cover 15A.Thus, each assist grip 11A is installed in the air bag cover 15A.
- each bolt 35 is screwed in the nuts 53g and 2b, which are in locations of the installation holes 53f and 2a of the inflator installation portion 53e and the inner panel 2.
- a portion of the air bag cover 15A which is not shown in the drawings, is fixed on a side of the body 1.
- the roof head lining 5, and the air bag cover 15A are formed into one body which can be installed in a vehicle.
- each inflator main body portion 52 is connected to an operation signal inputting line, which extends from an air bag controlling circuit and which is not shown in the drawings.
- a gas for inflation is emitted from a gas emitting exit 52c of the inflator main body portion 52.
- the gas for inflation flows into the front and rear inflation portions 44a and 44b of the air bag main body portion 44 through the gas flow portions 45 and 46.
- the air bag main body portion 44 inflates to tear a tape material not shown in the drawings as well as pushes a door portion 21 of the air bag cover 15A to open it, as was the case of the first embodiment.
- the air bag main body portion 44 is developed and inflated to cover the openings W1, W2 and W3.
- each inflator 51 is disposed in a location toward the exterior side of a vehicle O of the assist grips 11A1 and 11A3 to be fixed to the body 1.
- the respective assist grips 11A1 and 11A3 made of a soft synthetic resin such as soft vinyl chloride and urethane play a roll of a cover material for the inflator 51.
- the similar operation and effect to the first embodiment can be achieved also in the second embodiment.
- the decorative or functional design characteristics of the inner side of a vehicle I would not be decreased since the air bag cover 15A is formed into one body with the roof head lining 5.
- the air bags 23 and 43 when developed and inflated, cover roughly all over the openings W1, W2 and W3. It is possible, however, that the developed and inflated air bags 23 and 43 are arranged not to cover all over the openings W1, W2 and W3.
- the air bag may be provided so as to cover a part of the openings W1, W2 and W3 or a part of or all of the pillar portions P1, P2 and RP on the interior side of a vehicle.
- the location for disposing the inflators 31 and 51 are not limited, as long as the inflators 31 and 51 are disposed in predetermined locations toward the exterior side of a vehicle O of the assist grip 11 and 11A.
- the inflators 31 and 51 may be disposed toward the outer, or exterior side of a vehicle O of the assist grips 11 and 11A, which is in a location of the pillar portions FP, P1, P2 and RP, when the assist grips 11 and 11A are disposed in the pillar portions FP, P1, P2 and RP.
- a condition of the locations of the inflators 31 and 51, disposed toward the outer, or exterior side of a vehicle O of the assist grips 11 and 11A, is that the inflators 31 and 51 do not interfere with a passenger under a condition that the air bag covers 15 and 15A only exist in between. Accordingly, the locations may be not only toward the exterior side of a vehicle O in a horizontal direction of the assist grips 11 and 11A, but also toward the exterior side of a vehicle O, a small distance above or below the assist grips 11 and 11A.
- one folded air bag 23A is provided in the front-rear direction on the interior side of a vehicle, as shown in Figure 13.
- the air bag 23A is provided in a periphery on the upper edge side of an opening W of a door or a window portion on the interior side of a vehicle, that is, in a roof side rail portion RR from a front pillar portion FP through a center pillar portion CP, which is a middle pillar portion, to a vicinity of a rear pillar portion RP.
- the head protection air bag apparatus M3 comprises the air bag 23A, an inflator 31, an installation bracket 28, an air bag cover 15 and an assist grip 11.
- the head protection air bag apparatus M3 in the third embodiment is mounted in a vehicle in which the middle pillar portion comprises a line of the center pillar portion CP.
- the head protection air bag apparatus M3 comprises one air bag 23A and one inflator 31, and the air bag cover 15 is provided with an installation portion 19, as well as installation portions 17 and 18.
- the third embodiment is arranged substantially the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the same reference numbers are given to members and portions similar to those of the first embodiment so that description of the members and portions similar to those of the first embodiment can be omitted.
- the air bag 23A is woven into a shape of a bag with a thread made of polyamide or polyester, for example, and comprises a main body portion 24, a plurality of installation portions 26 and a gas flow portion 25, as shown in Figures 13 to 16 and 19.
- the main body 24 is in a roughly oblong board shape and inflates when a gas for inflation flows into from the inflator 31.
- Each installation portion 26 is provided with an installation hole 26a and disposed on the upper edge side of the main body 24.
- the gas flow portion 25 is roughly cylindrical and disposed in the upper part on the front portion side of the main body portion 24.
- Each installation portion 26 is provided with an installation bracket 28 made from a metal plate, as shown in Figures 14 to 16 and 19.
- Each installation portion 26 is installed in an inner panel 2 on a side of a body 1 in a roof side rail portion RP together with an installation bracket 28 by means of installation bolts 29 and 35.
- the installation bolt 29 is used for fastening the air bag installation portion 26 and the installation portion 18 of the air bag cover 15 together to the inner panel 2 as was the case of the first embodiment.
- the bolt 35 is also used for fastening the air bag installation portion 26, the installation portion 17 of the air bag cover 15 and an installation portion 12 of the assist grip 11 together to the inner panel 2 as was the case of the first embodiment.
- the inner panel 2 is provided with nuts 2b and 2d for screwing the bolts 29 and 35 as was the case of the first embodiment.
- the nuts 2b and 2d are provided at locations of installation holes 2a and 2c.
- the inflator 31 is disposed in the upper part on the front portion side of the air bag 23A, as shown in Figures 13, 14 and 19.
- the inflator 31 is disposed toward the outer, or exterior side of a vehicle O in an obliquely upper direction of the assist grip 11F so as to be hidden by the assist grip 11 (11F) on the front side.
- the inflator 31 comprises a cylindrical main body portion 32 and a bracket portion 33 made from a metal plate as was the case of the first embodiment.
- the main body portion 42 comprises a large diameter portion 32a and a small diameter portion 32b having a gas emitting exit 32c.
- the bracket portion 33 comprises a grip portion 33a having a pressing portion 33b for gripping the main body 42 and an installation portion 33c.
- the installation portion 33c is provided in two locations with installation holes 33d through which the installation bolt 35 passing.
- the gas flow portion 25 of the air bag 23A is connected to the small diameter portion 24c of the inflator main body portion 24 by means of a clamp not shown in the drawings.
- the assist grip 11 (11F and 11B) is provided between the pillar portions FP, CP and RP on the upper edge side of an opening W, as shown in Figures 13, 14, 16 and 19.
- the assist grip 11 comprises a grip portion 13 for gripping by a passenger and an installation portion 12.
- the installation portion 12 is disposed on the both ends in the front-rear direction of the grip portion 13.
- Each assist grip 11 comprises a core material 11 made from a metal plate for maintaining the shape and a cover layer 11b made of a soft synthetic resin as was the case of the first embodiment.
- Each installation portion 12 comprises an installation hole 12a through which the installation bolt 35 passes.
- Each installation portion 12 is fitted into a location on the interior side of a vehicle of each installation portion 17 of the air bag cover 15. In a periphery of each installation hole 12a on the interior side of a vehicle, a cap 12b is fixed for hiding the bolt 35.
- the air bag cover 15 is disposed longitudinally in the front-rear direction in the roof side rail portion RR from the front pillar portion PF through the center pillar portion CP to the rear pillar portion RP, as shown in Figures 13 to 19. That is, the air bag cover 15 is disposed as a roof side rail garnish between the lower edge of a roof head lining 5 and the upper edge side of an opening W as was the case of the first embodiment.
- the air bag cover 15 is preferably made of a synthetic resin and comprises a door portion 21 opened by push by the developed and inflated air bag 23A and a general portion 16 on the upper side of the door portion 21.
- a thin hinge portion 20 is formed so that the door portion 21 opens smoothly.
- Three kinds of installation portions 17, 18 and 19, are projected toward the exterior side of a vehicle O, are formed in the general portion 16.
- the installation portions 17 and 18 are formed in a roughly cylindrical shape projecting toward the exterior side of a vehicle O as described in the first embodiment.
- the installation portions 17 and 18 comprise installation holes 17b and 18b in bottom wall portions 17a and 18a on a side of a projected end surface.
- the installation portion 17 is fastened (fixed) in the inner panel 2 together with an installation portion 12 at the both ends in the front-rear direction of the assist grips 11F and 11B and the bracket portion 33 of the inflator 31.
- the installation portion 18 is fastened (fixed) in the inner panel 2 together with the installation portion 26 of the air bag 23A.
- the installation portion 19 comprises a lock shaft 19a and a lock cap 19d.
- the lock shaft 19a is made of metal and disposed in a location toward the exterior side of a vehicle of the air bag cover 15.
- the lock cap 19d is made of rubber or. a soft synthetic resin and is locked to the lock shaft 19a.
- the lock shaft 19a comprises a neck portion 19c and a head portion 19b.
- the head portion 19b is expanded in a radius direction at the top end of the neck portion 19c.
- the lock cap 19d is in a roughly cylindrical shape capable of locking to the head portion 19b and comprises a lock portion 19e, lock groove 19f and convex groove 19g.
- the lock portion 19e is formed with an increased thickness and is disposed on the top end side of the cap 19d.
- the lock groove 19f is disposed in an outer circumference on a base portion side of the lock portion 19e.
- the concave groove 19g is disposed in an outer circumference on a base portion side of the cap 19d.
- the lock cap 19d is mounted outside of the lock shaft 19a in advance.
- the installation portion 19 is first inserted into an installation hole 2h provided in the inner panel 2 to a location of the lock groove 19f. Then, the lock portion 19e of the lock cap 19d is locked to a periphery of the exterior side of a vehicle O of the installation hole 2h, so that the installation portion 19 can be installed in the inner panel 2.
- the air bag cover 15 would move to the interior side of a vehicle I for a distance corresponding to elastic deformation of the lock portion 19e when the air bag cover 15 is strongly pulled to the interior side of the vehicle.
- the head portion 19b of the lock shaft 19a and the lock portion 19e of the cap 19d are not dropped off from the installation hole 2h.
- the installation portion 19 is firmly installed in the inner panel 2.
- the installation portion 19 In the case of detaching the installation portion 19 from the inner panel 2 for maintenance or the like, the installation portion 19 should be first pushed into the exterior side of a vehicle O. At this time, the installation portion 19 is pushed until the convex groove 19g of the lock cap 19d is disposed in a location of the inner circumference surface of the installation hole 2h. A size of the inner diameter of the lock cap 19d is set in advance so that the head portion 19b of the lock shaft 19a can be pulled out from the lock cap 19d when the lock portion 19e is widened. Thus, the lock shaft 19a can be pulled out from the lock cap 19d and the installation hole 2h under a condition that the lock cap 19d is locked to a periphery of the installation hole 2h. As a result, the air bag cover 15 can be detached from the inner panel 2.
- a lateral wall portion 16a is formed in a location on the exterior side of a vehicle O in an upper direction of the hinge portion 20, as shown in Figure 17.
- the lateral wall portion 16a is reinforced by a rib 16b.
- the lateral wall portion 16a fills a space between the inner panel 2 above the folded air bag 23A and the air bag cover 15.
- the center pillar portion CP is provided with a center pillar garnish 67 covering the interior side of the pillar portion CP of a vehicle I.
- the lower edge of the air bag cover 15, that is, a lower edge portion 21a of the door portion 21 is disposed closer to the interior side of a vehicle I than an upper edge portion 69 of the center pillar garnish 67, in a location of the center pillar portion CP.
- the lower edge portion 21a is disposed within the convex recess 69a so that the lower edge portion 21a abuts and overlaps a general portion 68 of the center pillar garnish 67, so as to be in a same plane with the general portion 68:
- An upper edge portion 16c of the air bag cover 15 is also disposed on the interior side of a vehicle I of the lower edge portion 5a, which includes an offset portion that curves towards the exterior side of a vehicle O of the roof head lining 5.
- the upper edge portion 16c also abuts the roof head lining 5 so as to be in the same plane as the roof head lining 5.
- the center pillar garnish 67 comprises the general portion 68 and the upper edge portion 69, as shown in Figures 17 and 19.
- the general portion 68 covers the interior side of a vehicle I of the center pillar portion CP.
- the upper edge portion 69 is disposed on an upper end side of the general portion 68.
- the upper edge portion 69 comprises a lateral wall portion 69b and an installation portion 69c.
- the lateral wall portion 69b extends toward the exterior side of a vehicle O from the upper end of the general portion 68 to be in contact with the inner panel 2.
- the lateral wall portion provides a support surface for the folded air bag 23a.
- the installation portion 69c extends upward from the top end of the lateral wall portion 69b along the inner panel 2.
- the installation portion 69c is provided with an installation hole 69d in a vicinity of both edges of a vehicle in a front-rear direction.
- An installation bolt 10 passes through each installation hole 69d.
- the installation bolt 10 is used for fixing the center pillar garnish 67 in the inner panel 2 on a side of the body 1.
- the inner panel 2 comprises an installation hole 2i so that a nut 2j would be provided for screwing the installation bolt 10 in a location of an installation hole 2i.
- a rear pillar garnish 6 for covering the interior side of a vehicle I of the pillar portion RP.
- the lower end of the lower edge portion 21a of the air gag cover door portion 21 is disposed on the interior side of a vehicle I from an upper edge portion 6b of the rear pillar garnish 6 as was the case of the center pillar portion CP (see reference numbers in a bracket shown in Figure 17).
- the lower end of the lower edge portion 21a is connected to a general portion 6a of the rear pillar garnish 6 so as to be in a same plane with the general portion 6a.
- the rear pillar garnish 6 also comprises the general portion 6a and the upper edge portion 6b.
- the general portion 6a covers the interior side of a vehicle I of the rear pillar portion RP.
- the upper edge portion 6b is disposed on the upper end side of the general portion 6a.
- the upper edge portion 6b comprises a lateral wall portion 6d and an installation portion 6e.
- the lateral wall portion 6d extends to the exterior side of a vehicle O from the upper end of the general portion 6a to be in contact with the inner panel 2.
- the installation portion 6e extends from the top end of the lateral wall portion 6d along the inner panel 2.
- a convex portion 6c is formed for receiving the lower end of the lower edge portion 21a of the air bag cover door portion 21.
- the installation portion 6e is provided with an installation hole 6f.
- An installation bolt 10 for fixing the rear pillar garnish 6 in the inner panel 2 passes through the installation hole 6f.
- an air bag installation body A1 is formed.
- an air bag 23A is folded first.
- the air bag 23A is developed flat under a deflated condition.
- the air bag 23A is folded in a shape of bellows with convex and concave folding lines so that the lower edge side of the main body portion 24 would be adjacent to the upper edge side thereof.
- a tape material 27, which is capable of being torn and which is for preventing the air bag 23A from loosing its folded shape, is wrapped at a predetermined interval.
- the installation bracket 28 is also installed in each installation portion 26.
- the gas flow portion 25 is not folded. Then, the small diameter portion 32b of an inflator main body portion 32 uses a clamp not shown in the drawings to connect to the gas flow portion 25.
- the inner diameter of the inflator grip portion 33a is shortened so that the bracket portion 33 holds the main body portion 32.
- the predetermined installation portion 26 for the inflator bracket portion 33 and the air bag 23A is disposed in a location proximate to each installation portion 17 of the air bag cover 15 on the exterior side of a vehicle O, as shown in Figure 20.
- the installation portion 12 of the assist grip 11 is fitted into a location of each installation portion 17 on the interior side of a vehicle I, and then, each installation bolt 35 passes through the installation holes 12a, 17b, 26a and 33d.
- a washer-shaped spring plate nut 37 is fitted into a male screw portion 35b of each bolt 35, and further, the cap 12b is fitted into a periphery on the interior side of a vehicle of the installation hole 12a.
- the spring plate nut 37 is formed from a thin spring plate as described above. The nut 37 can be easily fitted into the male screw portion 35b so that the nut 37 would be unable to drop off therefrom.
- the predetermined installation portion 26 of the air bag 23A is disposed in a location on the exterior side of a vehicle O of each installation portion 17 of the air bag cover 15 under a condition that there is no inflator bracket portion 33.
- the installation portion 12 of the assist grip 11B is fitted into a location on the interior side of a vehicle I of each installation portion 17, so that each installation bolt 35 passes through the installation holes 12a, 17b and 26a.
- a washer-shaped spring plate nut 37 is fitted into a male screw portion 35b of each bolt 35, and further, the cap 12b is fitted into a periphery on the interior side of a vehicle of the installation hole 12a.
- the air bag installation portion 26 is disposed in a location on the exterior side of a vehicle O of each installation portion 18 of the air bag cover 15.
- the installation bracket 28 has been fixed in advance.
- Each installation bolt 29 passes through the installation holes 18b and 26a and the spring plate nut 37 is fitted into a male screw portion 29b of each bolt 29.
- the cap 18c is fitted into a location of the installation portion 18 on the interior side of a vehicle I.
- the air bag installation body A1 is formed.
- a head 35a of the installation bolt 35 and the spring plate nut 37 grip a periphery of the installation hole 12a of each installation portion 12 of the assist grip 11, the bottom wall portions 17a of the installation portion of the air bag cover 15, the installation portion 33c of the bracket portion of the inflator 31, and the air bag installation portion 26.
- a head 35a of the installation bolt 35 and the spring plate nut 37 grip a periphery of the installation portion 12a of each installation portion 12 of the assist grip 11B, the bottom wall portions 17a of the installation portion of the air bag cover 15 and the air bag installation portion 26.
- a head 29a of the installation bolt 29 and the spring plate nut 37 grip the bottom wall portions 18a of the installation portion of the air bag cover 15 and the air bag installation portion 26.
- each installation bolt 35 is screwed in the nut 2b, which is in a location of each installation hole 2a of the inner panel 2.
- a male screw portion 29b of each installation bolt 29 is also screwed in the nut 2d disposed at a location of each installation hole 2c of the inner panel 2, and at the same time, each installation portion 19 is inserted into an installation hole 2h of the inner panel 2 so as to lock to the periphery of the installation hole 2h.
- the cap 12b is fixed in a location on the interior side of a vehicle of each installation portion 12
- the cap 18c is fixed in a location on the interior side of a vehicle of each installation portion 18.
- each inflator main body portion 32 is connected to an operation signal inputting line, which extends from an air bag controlling circuit and which is not shown in the drawings.
- center and rear pillar garnishes 67 and 6 of the center and rear pillar portions CP and RP are installed in the inner panel 2 by means of an installation bolt 10 or the like, as shown in Figure 22.
- a front pillar garnish 4 of the front pillar portion FP and the roof head lining 5 are further installed in a vehicle in advance.
- a gas for inflation is emitted from the gas emitting exit 32c of the inflator main body portion 32.
- the gas for inflation flows into each air bag main body portion 24 through the gas flow portion 25. This causes each air bag main body 24 to inflate and tear the tape material 27 as well as further pushes the door portion 21 of the air bag cover 15 to open it.
- the main body portion 24 is developed and inflated so as to cover the opening W.
- the lower edge portion 21a of the air bag cover 15 is disposed closer to the interior side of a vehicle I than the upper edge portions 69 and 6b of the pillar garnishes 67 and 6.
- the air bag lower edge portion 21a can immediately open and move to the interior side of a vehicle I without climbing over the upper edge portions 69 and 6b of the pillar garnishes 67 and 6, when the developed and inflated air bag 23A pushes the air bag cover door portion 21.
- the opening operation of the air bag cover edge portion 21a operates in a smooth manner, so that development and inflation of the air bag 23A can be completed quickly.
- the lower edge portion 21a of the air bag cover 15 is connected in a same plane as the general portions 68 and 6a of the pillar garnishes 67 and 6.
- the functional and decorative design characteristics of the abutting portions of the air bag cover 15 and the pillar garnishes 67 and 6 do not decrease.
- the upper edge portions 69 and 6b of the pillar garnishes 67 and 6 fill a space between the pillar garnishes 67 and 6 and the inner panel 2 on a side of the body 1 by means of the lateral wall portions 69b and 6d and the installation portions 69c and 6e.
- the pillar garnish upper edge portions 69 and 6b prevent the air bag 23A from entering between the pillar garnishes 67 and 6 and the inner panel 2, when the air bag 23A is developed and inflated. Accordingly, pressure of the air bag 23A can be lead to a side of the lower edge portion 21a of the air bag cover 15. As a result, the door portion 21 can easily open and the air bag 23A would project to the interior side of a vehicle I smoothly.
- the general portion 16 of the air bag cover 15 comprises the lateral wall portion 16a.
- the lateral wall portion 16a fills a space between the general portion 16 of the air bag cover 15 and the inner panel 2, above a location where a space is filled between the pillar garnishes 67 and 6 and the inner panel 2, and at a location above the folded air bag 23A.
- the lateral wall portion 16a prevents the air bag 23A from entering between the general portion 16 of the air bag cover 15 and the inner panel 2, when the air bag 23A is developed and inflated.
- the air bag 23A is directed to the door portion 21 of the air bag cover 15.
- the air bag 23A would be able to project smoothly to the interior side of a vehicle I.
- the air bag cover 15 is provided on the interior side of a vehicle I within a range from the front pillar portion FP to the rear pillar portion RP with the center pillar portion CP in between as one body integrated. That is, one air bag cover 15 continuously covers substantially all over the upper edge side of a periphery of the opening W on the interior side of a vehicle I.
- a design characteristic of the interior side of a vehicle I can be improved compared with the case that the air bag cover is disposed in parts on the interior side of a vehicle.
- the upper edge portion 16c of the air bag cover 15 covers the interior side of a vehicle I of the lower edge portion 5a of the roof head lining 5 disposed above the air bag cover 15. That is, the upper edge portion 16c is disposed on the interior side of a vehicle I of the roof head lining lower edge portion 5a to be connected to the roof head lining 5.
- a terminal treatment such as trimming of the roof head lining lower edge portion 5a
- the air bag cover upper edge portion 16c covers the roof head lining lower edge portion 5a.
- the terminal treatment of the roof head lining lower edge portion 5a can be easily performed. Decrease of the appearance design of the roof head lining 5 can be also controlled.
- the roof head lining 5 is usually vacuum molded and its terminal is given a trimming treatment. In the case that the terminal is exposed toward the interior side of a vehicle I, a terminal treatment such as trimming has been performed carefully with many processes so that the appearance design would not be decreased.
- the air bag apparatus M3 comprises the air bag installation body A1.
- the air bag installation body A1 is formed by installing into one body the assist grip 11, the air bag 23A, the inflator 31 and the air bag cover 15 by means of the installation bolts 35 and 29 and the spring plate nut 37.
- the air bag installation body A1 formed into one body can mount the air bag apparatus M3 in the vehicle.
- effectiveness in operation for installing the air bag apparatus M3 in a vehicle can be improved. Handling such as transportation and control of each member before installation in a vehicle would be easy, of course, since the air bag apparatus M3 is formed into one body as the air bag installation body A1.
- the inflator 31 is disposed in a location on the exterior side of a vehicle O of the assist grip 11F to be fixed in the inner panel 2 on a side of the body 1. That is, the assist grip 11F functions as a cover material of the inflator 31.
- the assist grip itself is provided with the core material 11a made of a metal, while it is provided on its surface side with the cover layer 11b.
- the cover layer 11b is made of a soft synthetic resin such as soft vinyl chloride and urethane so as to provide a cushion characteristic.
- a passenger will impact the assist grip 11F, which has the characteristic of a cushion, in situations when the passenger would impact the inflator.
- the impact of the passenger is less injurious than an impact in situations when no assist grip is provided.
- the inflator 31 is disposed in the roof side rail portion RR between the front pillar portion FP and the center pillar portion CP.
- the inflator 31 may be disposed in a location proximate to the assist grip 11B, between the center pillar portion CP and the rear pillar portion RP, provided that the gas flow portion 25 of the air bag 23A corresponds to the arrangement.
- an inflator 31A is fixed in the inner panel 2 of the rear pillar portion RP so as to be covered by the rear pillar garnish 6.
- the inflator 31A comprises a main body portion 32 and a bracket portion 33.
- the main body portion 32 is in a cylindrical shape and emits a gas for inflation.
- the bracket portion 33 grips the main body portion 32.
- the bracket portion 33 fixes the main body portion 32 in the inner panel 2 by means of bolt 75.
- An air bag 23B comprises a main body portion 24 covering an opening W, an installation portion 26, and a gas flow portion 25.
- the gas flow portion 25 is provided in an upper part of the rear end of the main body portion 24.
- the gas flow portion 25 is connected to the inflator main body portion 32 by means of a clamp 76.
- An upper edge portion 6b of the rear pillar garnish 6 is disposed only in a location of the air bag, which is developed and inflated. That is, a part of a lateral wall portion 6d (see Figure 17) is opened in an upper location, where the inflator 31A is disposed, so that the gas flow portion 25 can be connected to the inflator main body portion 32.
- the air bag apparatus M4 comprises an air bag installation body B1 that includes the assist grips 11F and 11B, the air bag cover 15 and the air bag 23B, formed into one body by means of the bolts 35 and 29 and the nut 37.
- the air bag installation body B1 similar to the air bag installation body A1 in the third embodiment with the inflator 31 is detached from the air bag installation body A1
- the air bag 23B and the air bag cover 15 are formed into one installation body B1 that can be installed in the vehicle body. Accordingly, the ease of installation for installing the air bag apparatus M4 in a vehicle is improved.
- the gas flow portion 25 is connected in advance to the inflator main body portion 32, which is being covered by the rear pillar garnish 6, by means of the clamp 76.
- the air bag installation body B1 is installed in the inner panel 2 by means of the bolts 35 and 29.
- the inflator 31A may be installed in advance the inflator 31A in the air bag installation body B1 by means of the clamp 76.
- the inflator 31A is fixed in the inner panel 2 on a back surface side of the rear pillar garnish 6 by means of an opening portion of the lateral wall portion 6d when the air bag installation body B1 is installed in a vehicle.
- the air bag installation body B1 is installed in the inner panel 2 by means of the bolts 35 and 29.
- the head protection air bag apparatuses M1 and M2 in the first and second embodiments are mounted in a vehicle, which is provided with two middle pillar portions P1 and P2 between the front pillar portion FP and the rear pillar portion RP.
- the head protection air bag apparatuses M3 and M4 in the third and fourth embodiments are mounted in a vehicle, which is provided with a center pillar portion CP as a middle pillar portion between the front pillar portion FP and the rear pillar portion RP.
- the head protection air bag apparatus according to the invention can be mounted in a vehicle having a different number of middle pillar portions. That is, the head protection air bag apparatus according to the invention can be mounted in a vehicle, which is provided with one, two, three or more middle pillar portions between the front pillar portion FP and the rear pillar portion RP.
- a head protection air bag apparatus comprises an air bag, an air bag cover for covering the air bag, an inflator for supplying the air bag with a gas for inflation, and an assist grip.
- the inflator is fixed to a body of a vehicle at a location toward the exterior side of a vehicle relative to the assist grip.
- the assist grip is provided on its exterior surface with a cover layer having the characteristic of a cushion, so that an impact with the inflator will be cushioned by the assist grip.
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority from Japanese application 2000-138958 filed May 11, 2000, and Japanese application 2000-157293 filed May 26, 2000, which are hereby incorporated by reference into this application.
- The present invention relates to a head protection air bag apparatus mounted in a vehicle. The head protection air bag apparatus is provided with a folded air bag in a predetermined location on the interior side of a vehicle.
- Conventionally, in this kind of head protection air bag apparatus, an air bag is folded to be housed on an upper edge side of the periphery of an opening on the interior or inner side of a vehicle, that is, in a periphery from a front pillar portion to a roof side rail portion, as described in the Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. Hei 11-321532.
- A gas for inflation supplied by an inflator flows into the air bag from either its front end side or rear end side. Accordingly, it takes a long time for the gas for inflation to reach the terminal end of the air bag, which is located away from the inflator.
- The length of the air bag should be long in a front-rear direction when the air bag is mounted on a vehicle, in vehicles which include several rows of seats for passengers. In this case, it takes a long time for the gas for inflation to reach the air bag terminal end.
- In order to solve this problem, it can be considered to shorten the distance between the inflator and the terminal end in a front-rear direction of the air bag, as described in WO 96/26087. In WO 96/26087, the inflator is disposed on the upper edge side of a periphery of an opening on the inner side of a vehicle between the front pillar portion and the rear pillar portion, that is, in the roof side rail portion.
- The inflator is made of a metal having high rigidity. Thus, taking impacts between the inflator and a passenger into account, a cover material for covering the inflator to function as a cushion is separately required when disposing the inflator in the roof side rail portion. Preparing the cover material, however, increases the number of components of the air bag as well as the number of processes for installing the air bag apparatus in a vehicle.
- In a conventional head protection air bag apparatus, the air bag is folded to be housed on an upper edge side of a periphery of an opening on the inner side of a vehicle so as to extend from the front pillar portion to the rear side passing over the center pillar portion, as described in the Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. Hei 10-138858.
- The air bag in the above Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. Hei 10-138858 is in a folded shape and covered by a door portion of an air bag cover at a location of a roof side rail portion on an upper edge side of an opening on the inner side of a vehicle. The door portion is disposed on a lower edge side of a roof head lining. The air bag, which has been developed and inflated, pushes and opens the door portion of the air bag cover. The air bag is developed and inflated so as to cover the inner side of a vehicle of a center pillar garnish at a location of the center pillar portion. The center pillar garnish is disposed on the inner side of a vehicle of the center pillar portion.
- In the conventional head protection air bag apparatus, however, a lower edge portion of the air bag cover door portion is connected to the upper edge portion of the pillar garnish of the center pillar portion. The lower edge portion of the cover door portion includes a curved portion toward the exterior, or the outer side, of a vehicle. Thus, the door portion must climb over the upper edge portion of the pillar garnish to be opened when the air bag pushes and opens the door portion. As a result, in the conventional head protection air bag apparatus, the door portion is difficult to open smoothly and thereby, there is a need for improving the quick development and inflation of the air bag.
- One aspect of the invention is to provide a head protection air bag apparatus capable of covering an inflator without increasing the number of components with a cushion characteristic when the inflator is disposed in a roof side rail portion or the like.
- Another aspect of the invention is to provide a head protection air bag apparatus in which an opening operation of a lower edge portion of an air bag cover, which abuts an upper edge portion of a pillar garnish, is made free of restriction so that development and inflation of the air bag can be completed quickly.
- The first aspect of the invention can be achieved by a head protection air bag apparatus having a following structure. This head protection air bag apparatus comprises an air bag, an air bag cover for covering the air bag, an inflator for supplying the above air bag with a gas for inflation, fixing elements for fixing the inflator to a body of the vehicle, and an assist grip. The air bag is covered by the air bag cover. The air bag is folded and housed on the exterior side of the vehicle, relative to the air bag cover, and the gas for inflation from the inflator is emitted into the air bag so that the air bag pushes and opens the air bag cover as the air bag is developed and inflated. The inflator is disposed at a location toward the exterior, or outer side, of the vehicle body relative to the assist grip when fixed to the vehicle body.
- In the head protection air bag apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, the assist grip is used as a cover material of the inflator. The assist grip, which is properly provided with a core material made of a metal, is provided on its surface side with a cushioning cover layer made of a soft synthetic resin such as soft vinyl chloride and urethane.
- Therefore, a passenger will impact the assist grip, which has the characteristic of a cushion, in situations when the passenger would impact the inflator. As a result, the impact of the passenger is less injurious than an impact in situations when no assist grip is provided.
- The assist grip itself is a component mounted in the roof side rail portion or the like of a vehicle. Thus, the use of the assist grip in the head protection air bag apparatus does not increase the number of components mounted in a vehicle.
- Therefore, in the head protection air bag apparatus according to this embodiment of the invention, the inflator can be covered without increasing the number of components. The inflator is covered with an assist grip having the characteristic of a cushion even when the inflator is disposed in the roof side rail portion.
- A condition of a location of the inflator disposed toward the outer, or exterior side of a vehicle of the assist grip is that a passenger does not impact the inflator such as would occur in situations where only the air bag cover exists in between the passenger and the inflator. Accordingly, the inflator may be disposed either toward the exterior side of a vehicle in a horizontal direction of the assist grip, or also toward the exterior side of a vehicle in an obliquely upper or lower direction relative to the assist grip.
- In this head protection air bag apparatus, it is desirable that the inflator and the assist grip are fixed to the vehicle body by means of common fixing elements.
- In this arrangement, the inflator and the assist grip are fastened together to be fixed to the body by means of the common fixing elements . In such an arrangement, the numbers of components and installation processes in installing the inflator and the assist grip in the body is decreased.
- Further, the inflator, the assist grip and the air bag cover may be fixed to the body by means of the common fixing elements . In this arrangement, the air bag cover is also fastened together with the inflator and the assist grip to be fixed to the body. In such arrangement, the numbers of components and installation processes in installing the inflator, the assist grip, and the air bag cover in the body can be decreased.
- Moreover, in the first head protection air bag apparatus, a unitary air bag installation body may be formed. This air bag installation body is the assist grip, the air bag, the inflator, and the air bag cover are coupled together into a unitary body to be installed into the vehicle body. In such an arrangement, the air bag apparatus is installed within the vehicle body through the installation of the installation body. As a result, the installation operation required for installing the air bag apparatus in a vehicle is be improved.
- A decorative or functional design characteristics of the inner side of a vehicle would not be decreased when interior decoration of the roof side rail garnish and the roof head lining is used for forming the air bag cover.
- The second aspect of the invention is achieved by a head protection air bag apparatus having a following structure. This head protection air bag apparatus comprises an air bag and an air bag cover. The air bag is folded and housed at an upper location of a pillar portion on the interior, or inner, side of the vehicle body. The air bag covers a pillar garnish disposed on the interior side of the pillar portion when developing and inflating. The air bag cover is configured to move between a closed and an open position. In the closed position, the cover covers the folded air bag and is opened when pushed by the developed and inflated air bag. A lower edge portion of the air bag cover is disposed toward the vehicle interior relative to an upper edge portion of the pillar garnish, and is abutted to the pillar garnish.
- In the second head protection air bag apparatus according to the invention, a lower portion of the air bag can immediately open and move to the inner side of a vehicle without climbing over the upper edge portion of the pillar garnish when the developed and inflated air bag pushes the air bag cover.
- Accordingly, in the second head protection air bag apparatus according to the invention, an opening operation of the lower edge portion of the air bag cover to be connected to the upper edge portion of the pillar garnish would be smooth, so that development and inflation of the air bag can be completed quickly.
- In the second head protection air bag apparatus, it is desirable that, when the pillar garnish is provided with a general portion disposed below the upper edge portion of the garnish, the lower edge portion of the air bag cover is abutted to the pillar garnish in a manner so as to be in a same plane with the general portion of the pillar garnish. In such an arrangement, the decorative and functional design characteristics of the air bag cover and the pillar garnish do not decrease.
- Further, in the second head protection air bag apparatus, it is desirable that, in situation when the vehicle comprises a front pillar portion, a rear pillar portion and a middle pillar portion between the front pillar portion and the rear pillar portion, the air bag cover is provided on the inner side of the vehicle and extends from the front pillar portion to the rear pillar portion as one integrated body . In such an arrangement, the air bag cover continuously covers roughly the entire upper edge side of a periphery of an opening on the inner side of a vehicle. Thus, the decorative and functional design characteristics of the inner side of a vehicle are improved compared with situations when the air bag cover is disposed in parts on the inner side of a vehicle.
- In the second embodiment of the head protection air bag apparatus, an air bag installation body is also formed. This air bag installation body is the air bag and the air bag cover coupled together for installation in a vehicle body as a unitary body. In such an arrangement, the air bag apparatus is installed within the vehicle body through the installation of the installation body. As a result, the installation operation required for installing the air bag apparatus in a vehicle is improved.
- Moreover, in the second head protection air bag apparatus, the upper edge portion of the pillar garnish may be connected to the body so as to fill a space between the pillar garnish and the body. In such an arrangement, the upper edge portion of the pillar garnish prevents the air bag from entering between the pillar garnish and the body when the air bag is developed and inflated, so that the air bag is directed to the lower edge portion side of the air bag cover. Accordingly, the air bag can be smoothly projected to the inner side of a vehicle .
- In the above arrangement, the air bag cover comprises a door portion, to be opened when pushed by the air bag, and a general portion disposed above the door portion. It is desirable that the general portion of the air bag is provided with a lateral wall portion for filling a space between the general portion of the air bag and the body. The lateral wall is disposed above the location between the pillar garnish and the vehicle body where the folded air bag is disposed. In such an arrangement, the lateral wall portion can prevent the air bag from entering between the general portion of the air bag cover and the vehicle body, when the air bag is developed and inflated. Accordingly, the air bag is directed to the door portion of the air bag cover. Thus, the air bag smoothly projects to the inner side of a vehicle .
- In the second head protection air bag apparatus, it is arranged that the upper edge portion of the air bag cover covers the interior side of a lower edge portion of the roof head lining that is disposed above the air bag cover. That is, the upper edge portion of the air bag cover is disposed on the interior side of the vehicle, relative to the lower edge portion of the roof head lining, and abutted to the roof head lining. In such an arrangement, the roof head lining can be mounted in a vehicle even when a terminal treatment such as trimming of the roof head lining lower edge portion is insufficient. This is because the upper edge portion of the air bag cover covers the roof head lining lower edge portion. As a result, the terminal treatment of the roof head lining lower edge portion can be easily performed through this design. A decrease of the appearance of the roof head lining can also be controlled.
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- Figure 1 is a front view of a head protection air bag apparatus in the first embodiment of the invention from the interior side of a vehicle.
- Figure 2 is a sectional view of a portion II-II shown in Figure 1.
- Figure 3 is a sectional view of a portion III-III shown in Figure 1.
- Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the principal part in the first embodiment.
- Figure 5 is a sectional view of an air bag installation body in the first embodiment, which corresponds to a portion shown in Figure 2.
- Figure 6 is a sectional view of an air bag installation body in the first embodiment, which corresponds to a portion shown in Figure 3.
- Figure 7 is a front view of a head protection air bag apparatus in the second embodiment from the interior side of a vehicle.
- Figure 8 is a sectional view of a portion VIII-VIII shown in Figure 7.
- Figure 9 is a sectional view of a portion IX-IX shown in Figure 7.
- Figure 10 is a sectional view of a portion X-X shown in Figure 7.
- Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the principal part in the second embodiment.
- Figure 12 shows a flat developed air bag in the second embodiment.
- Figure 13 is a front view of a head protection air bag apparatus in the third embodiment from the interior side of a vehicle.
- Figure 14 is a sectional view of a portion XIV-XIV shown in Figure 13.
- Figure 15 is a sectional view of a portion XV-XV shown in Figure 13.
- Figure 16 is a sectional view of a portion XVI-XVI shown in Figure 13.
- Figure 17 is a sectional view of a portion XVII-XVII shown in Figure 13.
- Figure 18 is a sectional view of a portion XVIII- XVIII shown in Figure 13.
- Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of the principal part in the third embodiment.
- Figure 20 is a sectional view of an air bag installation body in the third embodiment, which corresponds to a portion shown in Figure 14.
- Figure 21 is a sectional view of an air bag installation body in the third embodiment, which corresponds to a portion shown in Figure 15.
- Figure 22 is a sectional view of an air bag installation body in the third embodiment, which corresponds to a portion shown in Figure 17.
- Figure 23 is a front view of a head protection air bag apparatus in the fourth embodiment from the interior side of a vehicle.
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- The invention will be described hereinafter on the basis of embodiments shown in drawings. The invention is not limited to the embodiments. Any modification of an element in the claims or equivalents to the element are included within a range of the claims.
- A head protection air bag apparatus M1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 in the first embodiment is mounted in a vehicle having three rows of seats, as shown in Figure 1. The head protection air bag apparatus M1 comprises three folded
air bags 23. Theseair bags 23 are provided in the upper edge side of the periphery of an opening W of a door or a window portion on the interior side of a vehicle. Specifically, theabove air bags 23 are provided in a roof side rail portion RR, which extents from a front pillar portion FP through a first and second middle pillar portions P1 and P2 to the vicinity of a rear pillar portion RP. - The head protection air bag apparatus M1 comprises an
air bag 23, aninflator 31, aninstallation bracket 28, anair bag cover 15 and an assistgrip 11. - Each
air bag 23 is provided so as to cover respective openings W1, W2, and W3 of each window portion, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. Eachair bag 23 is folded and housed on the upper edge side of a periphery of respective opening W1, W2 and W3, respectively. Eachair bag 23 is woven into a shape of a bag with a thread made of polyamide or polyester, for example, and comprises amain body portion 24 and aninstallation portion 26. Themain body 24 is in a roughly oblong board shape and inflates when a gas for inflation flows into from theinflator 31. Theinstallation portion 26, which is a flange extending from themain body 24, is provided in the front and rear parts on an upper edge side of themain body portion 24. A roughly cylindricalgas flow portion 25 is provided on the upper side of themain body portion 24 so that a gas for inflation can flow into from theinflator 31. Aninstallation hole 26a, through which aninstallation bolt 28 passes, is provided in eachinstallation portion 26, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Eachinstallation portion 26 is further provided with aninstallation bracket 28 made from a metal plate. Eachinstallation portion 26 is installed together with theinstallation bracket 28 by means of theinstallation bolt 29 to aninner panel 2 on the roof side rail portion RR. Theinner panel 2 is provided with anut 2d for screwing thebolt 29. Thenut 2d is fixed in a location of aninstallation hole 2c. - The inflator 31 supplies the folded
air bag 23 with a gas for inflation, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4. The inflator 31 is disposed on a side of the upper edge of a periphery of respective openings W1, W2 and W3 toward the exterior of the vehicle O, relative to the assistgrip 11, so as to be hidden by theassist grip 11. In this embodiment, each inflator 31 is disposed toward the exterior of the vehicle O in an oblique direction above theassist grip 11. Each inflator 31 comprises amain body portion 32 and abracket portion 33. Themain body portion 32 is in a cylindrical shape and emits a gas for installation. Thebracket portion 33 is made from a metal plate and used for installing themain body portion 32 in theinner panel 2, in the roof side rail portion RR. Themain body portion 32 comprises alarge diameter portion 32a and asmall diameter portion 32b. Thesmall diameter portion 32b comprises agas emitting exit 32c. Thebracket portion 33 comprises a roughlycylindrical grip portion 33a and aninstallation portion 33c, which is a flange in a shape of a roughly oblong plate. Thegrip portion 33a, comprises a sleeve that grips and holds themain body portion 32. On an inner circumference side of thegrip portion 33a, there is a plurality ofpressing portions 33b projected for gripping themain body portion 32. Thesepressing portions 33b shorten a diameter by plastic deformation to press an outer circumference surface of themain body portion 32. As the result, thesepressing portions 33b grip themain body portion 32. Theinstallation portion 33c is in a shape of a roughly oblong plate and extends downward from thegrip portion 33a. Theinstallation portion 33c comprisesinstallation holes 33d provided in two places. Aninstallation bolt 35 passes through eachinstallation hole 33d. Theinstallation bolts 35 are used for installing the inflator 31 in theinterior panel 2 on a side of abody 1. Theinterior panel 2 is provided with anut 2b for screwing thebolt 35. Thenut 2b is fixed in a location of aninstallation hole 2a. - The
gas flow portion 25 of eachair bag 23 is coupled to asmall diameter portion 32b of the inflatormain body portion 32a . Eachgas flow portion 25 uses a clamp not shown in drawings to be connected to thesmall diameter portion 32b. - The
air bag cover 15 is longitudinally disposed in the location of the roof side rail portion RR extending from the front pillar portion PF through the first and second middle pillar portions P1 and P2 to the rear pillar portion RP as shown in Figures 1 through 4. Theair bag cover 15 is disposed between the lower edge side of a roof head lining 5 and the upper edge side of the openings W1, W2 and W3. Theair bag cover 15 is made of a synthetic resin and comprises adoor portion 21 and ageneral portion 16. Thedoor portion 21 is disposed on the lower edge side of thecover 15 so that eachair bag 23 can press and open thedoor portion 21 when theair bag 23 is developed and inflated. Thegeneral portion 16 is disposed on the upper side of thedoor portion 21. On the upper edge side of thedoor portion 21, athin hinge portion 20 is formed so that the door portion opens smoothly. - Two kinds of roughly
cylindrical installation portions general portion 16. Theinstallation portions bottom wall portions bottom wall portions installation holes installation portion 17 is a portion to be fixed to theinner panel 2. Each installation portion is a projection that includes an interior socket. Theinstallation portion 17 is fastened on theinner panel 2 together with aninstallation portion 12 of theassist grip 11, and thebracket portion 33 of the inflator 31, through the use of aninstallation bolt 35. Eachinstallation portion 18 is also a portion to be fixed to theinner panel 2. Theinstallation portion 18 is fastened on theinner panel 2, together with theinstallation portion 26 of eachair bag 23, through theinstallation bolt 29. Eachinstallation portion 18 may include a fixedcap 18c. Thecap 18c hides thebolt 29, which is used for fastening theinstallation portion 18 and the airbag installation portion 26 together on theinner panel 2. - The assist
grip 11 is provided in the vicinity of the upper side of a center part of respective openings W1, W2 and W3, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4. Each assistgrip 11 includes a hand graspinggrip portion 13 for gripping by a passenger and aninstallation portion 12 disposed on both ends of thegrip portion 13. Each assistgrip 11 comprises acore material 11a made from a metal plate and acover layer 11b. Thecore material 11a is used for maintaining the shape of theassist grip 11. Thecover layer 11b is a thick layer made of a soft synthetic resin such as soft vinyl chloride and urethane, which covers the core material. - Each
installation portion 12 comprises aninstallation hole 12a through which theinstallation bolt 35 passes. Eachinstallation portion 12 is roughly formed in a shape of a section of a cone so as to be fitted into a socket location on the interior side of a vehicle of eachinstallation portion 17 of theair bag cover 15. Acap 12b is typically fixed in eachinstallation hole 12a. Thecap 12b hides thebolt 35, which is used for fastening theinstallation portion 12, theinstallation portion 17, and theinstallation portion 33c to theinner panel 2. - Next, the installation procedure to install the head protection air bag apparatus M1 of the first embodiment in a vehicle will be described. First, an air bag installation body A is formed. In forming this installation body A, each
air bag 23 is typically, initially folded . In folding theair bag 23, the flatdeveloped air bag 23 in a deflated condition is folded in a shape of bellows with convex and concave folding lines so that the lower edge side of themain body portion 24 is adjacent to the upper edge side thereof. After theair bag 23 is folded, atape material 27, which is capable of being torn and which is for preventing theair bag 23 from losing its folded shape, (referring to Figures 5 and 6) is wrapped at a predetermined interval. After theair bag 23 is folded, theinstallation bracket 28 is also installed in eachinstallation portion 26. - Each
gas flow portion 25 is not folded Then, thesmall diameter portion 32b of each inflatormain body portion 32 is connected to thegas flow portion 25 by the use of a clamp not shown in the drawings. A diameter of theinflator grip portion 33a is shortened so that thebracket portion 33 would hold themain body portion 32. - The
inflator bracket portion 33 is disposed in a location toward the exterior side of a vehicle O of eachinstallation portion 17 of theair bag cover 15, as shown in Figure 5. Theinstallation portion 12 of theassist grip 11 is fitted into a socket within eachinstallation portion 17. After that, eachinstallation bolt 35 passes through theinstallation holes spring plate nut 37 is fitted into amale screw portion 35b of eachbolt 35. Further, thecap 12b is fitted into a periphery of theinstallation hole 12a on the interior side of a vehicle. Thespring plate nut 37 is formed from a thin spring plate. Thenut 37 can be easily fitted into themale screw portion 35b so that thenut 37 would be unable to drop off. - As shown in Figure 6, the air
bag installation portion 26 is disposed in a location proximate to eachinstallation portion 18 of theair bag cover 15 toward the exterior side of a vehicle O. Theinstallation bracket 28 has been already fixed to theinstallation portion 26. Eachinstallation bolt 29 passes through the installation holes 18b and 26a. Then, thespring plate nut 37 is fitted into amale screw portion 29b of eachbolt 29. Further, thecap 18c is fitted into a socket location of theinstallation portion 18 on the interior side I of a vehicle. - In the above air bag installation body A, a periphery of the
installation hole 12a of eachinstallation portion 12 of theassist grip 11, thebottom wall portion 17a of the installation portion of theair bag cover 15, and theinstallation portion 33c of the bracket portion of the inflator 31 are gripped by ahead 35a of theinstallation bolt 35 and thespring plate nut 37. Similarly, thebottom wall portion 18a of the installation portion of theair bag cover 15, and theinstallation portion 26 of the air bag, are also gripped by ahead 29a of theinstallation bolt 29 and thespring plate nut 37. The assistgrip 11, theair bag cover 15, theair bag 23, and the inflator 31 are formed into a unitary body. - In order to install the air bag installation body A in a vehicle, the
caps male screw portion 35b of eachinstallation bolt 35 is screwed in thenut 2b disposed in a location of eachinstallation hole 2a of theinner panel 2. Amale screw portion 29b of eachinstallation bolt 29 is also screwed in thenut 2d disposed in a location of eachinstallation hole 2c of theinner panel 2. After that, thecap 12b is fixed to eachinstallation portion 12, while thecap 18c is fixed to eachinstallation portion 18. As a result, the head protection air bag apparatus M1 can be mounted in a vehicle through the installation of the air bag installation body A in the roof side rail portion RR. - In mounting the air bag apparatus M1 in a vehicle, each inflator
main body portion 32 is connected to an operation signal inputting line, which extends from an air bag controlling circuit and which is not shown in the drawings. Before or after the air bag apparatus M1 is installed, afront pillar garnish 4, a first and second middle pillar garnishes 7 and 8, and the roof head lining 5 of the front pillar portion FP, the first and second middle pillar portions P1 and P2, and the rear pillar portion RP are installed in a vehicle. - When each inflator 31 is activated after the head protection air bag apparatus M1 is installed in a vehicle, a gas for inflation is emitted from the
gas emitting exit 32c of the inflatormain body portion 32. The gas for inflation flows into each air bagmain body portion 24 through thegas flow portion 25 so that each air bagmain body 24 would inflate. Thus, each air bagmain body portion 24 tears thetape material 27 as well as pushes thedoor portion 21 of theair bag cover 15 to open it. Eachmain body portion 24 is developed and inflated so as to cover the openings W1, W2 and W3. - At this time, three
air bags 23 having small capacity cover respective openings W1, W2 and W3, respectively, in the head protection air bag apparatus M1 in the first embodiment. Thus, in the air bag apparatus M1, eachair bag 23 can be developed and inflated quickly until it completely develops into a shape such that respective openings W1, W2 and W3 are covered. One or two air bags may be used, provided that the above is not taken into account. In this case, theinflator 31 is also arranged to be disposed in a predetermined location toward the exterior side of a vehicle of theassist grip 11. In the case of using two air bags, one of the air bags covers at least two of the openings W1, W2 and W3 while the other covers the remaining opening . In the case of using one air bag, the air bag covers all of the openings W1, W2 and W3. - In the head protection air bag apparatus M1 in the first embodiment, each inflator 31 is disposed in a location toward the exterior side of a vehicle O relative to the assist
grip 11 to be fixed to thebody 1. That is, each assistgrip 11 functions as a cover material for theinflator 31. The assist grip itself is provided with thecore material 11a made of a metal, while it is provided on its surface side with thecover layer 11b made of a soft synthetic resin such as soft vinyl chloride and urethane. - Therefore, a passenger will impact the assist grip, which has the characteristic of a cushion, in situation when the passenger would impact the inflator. As a result, the impact of the passenger is less injurious than an impact in situations when no assist grip is provided.
- The assist
grip 11 itself is, of course, a component mounted in the roof side rail portion RR of a vehicle. Thus, using theassist grip 11 as a cover material for the inflator 31 does not increase the number of components mounted in a vehicle. - Therefore, in the head protection air bag apparatus M1 in the first embodiment, the inflator 31 can be covered without increasing the number of components with the characteristic of a cushion even when the inflator 31 is disposed in the roof side rail portion RR.
- In the first embodiment, the
inflator 31 and the assistgrip 11 use acommon installation bolt 35, which passes through theinstallation holes 12a and is fixed to theinner panel 2 of thebody 1. Accordingly, the numbers of components and installation processes required in installing theinflator 31 and the assistgrip 11 in thebody 1 is decreased. - Further, in the first embodiment, the
installation bolt 35, passing through theinstallation holes grip 11 so that theair bag cover 15 is also fixed to thebody 1. Accordingly, the numbers of components and installation processes in installing the inflator 31, theassist grip 11 and theair bag cover 15 in thebody 1 can be further decreased. - Moreover, in the first embodiment, the air bag apparatus M1 comprises the air bag installation body A. The air bag installation body A is formed by installing the
assist grip 11, theair bag 23, theinflator 31 and theair bag cover 15 by means of theinstallation bolts spring plate nut 37. The air bag installation body A can be installed to theinner panel 2 on a side of thebody 1 as one body. That is, it is possible to install the air bag apparatus M1 in a vehicle only by installing the air bag installation body A having been formed into one body in a vehicle. Accordingly, the operation required for installing the air bag apparatus M1 in a vehicle is improved. After the air bag installation body A is formed into one body, the effort involved in handling the body, for example in transportation and control, are simplified. - Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the
air bag cover 15 fills a space between the upper edge side of the openings W1, W2 and W3 and the roof head lining 5, on the interior side of a vehicle I of the roof side rail portion RR. That is, theair bag cover 15 can be provided as the roof side rail garnish 9. Thus, theair bag cover 15 would not decrease the decorative design characteristics of the interior side of a vehicle I. - Next, the head protection air bag apparatus M2 in the second embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 12 will be described. In this air bag apparatus M2, an
air bag cover 15A is formed into one body on the lower edge side of the roof head lining 5. - In the air bag apparatus M2, a structure of an
air bag 43, aninflator 51, anassist grip 11A (11A1, 11A2 and 11A3) and a portion of a part of theair bag cover 15A is somewhat different from the first embodiment. For example, theair bag cover 15A is formed into one body with the roof head lining 5. - The
air bag 43 is woven into a shape of a bag, as was the case in the first embodiment. Asingle air bag 43, however, is used to cover the interior side of a vehicle from a vicinity of the front pillar portion FP to the rear pillar portion RP, as shown in Figures 7 and 12. Theair bag 43 comprises twogas flow portions air bag 43. A main airbag body portion 44 comprises afront inflation portion 44a continuously connected to thegas flow portion 45 and arear inflation portion 44b continuously connected to thegas flow portion 46. On the upper edge side of themain body portion 44, a plurality ofinstallation portions 47 are provided with aninstallation hole 47a, as was the case of theair bag 23. An installation bracket 28 (see Figures 10 and 11) is fixed at eachinstallation portion 47. Abelt portion 48 is connected to the front side of themain body 44. The front end of thebelt portion 48 is connected to theinner panel 2 of the front pillar portion FP by means of abolt 49. Thebelt portion 48 projects from the lower edge side of thefront pillar garnish 4 when the air bag develops and inflates. Thebelt portion 48 causes tension in the front-rear direction on the lower edge side of theair bag 43. When the tension is caused, movement of theair bag 43 to the exterior side of a vehicle O can be limited. Eachinstallation portion 47 is installed in theinner panel 2 of the roof side rail portion RR separately from theair bag cover 15A by means of theinstallation bolt 29, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. This installation is different from the first embodiment. Theinstallation bolt 29 is screwed in anut 2d provided in a location of aninstallation hole 2c. - The
inflators 51 are disposed in two locations on the upper edge side of the periphery of respective openings W1 and W3, as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 11. Each inflator 51 is disposed toward the outer, or exterior side of a vehicle O, relative to the assist grips 11A1 and 11A3 so as to be hidden by the assist grips 11A1 and 11A3, respectively. In the case of the embodiment, each inflator 51 is disposed toward the outside of the vehicle O in roughly horizontal direction of the assist grips 11A1 and 11A3. Each inflator 51 comprises a cylindricalmain body portion 52 for emitting a gas for inflation and abracket portion 53. Themain body portion 52 comprises alarge diameter portion 52a and asmall diameter portion 52b having agas emitting exit 52c, as was the case of the inflator 31 in the first embodiment. Thebracket portion 53 is made from a metal plate and is used to install themain body portion 52 to theinner panel 2 in the roof side rail portion RR. - The
bracket portion 53 comprises a roughlycylindrical grip portion 53a, aninstallation portion 53c in a shape of a roughly oblong plate, and aninstallation portion 53e. Theinstallation portion 53e is provided in agrip portion 53a. Thegrip portion 53a includes a plurality ofpressing portions 53b that project to the inner circumference side of the grip portion. Thesepressing portions 53b reduce the inner diameter by plastic deformation to grip and hold themain body portion 52. Theinstallation portion 53c extends upward from thegrip portion 53a. Theinstallation portion 53c is provided withinstallation holes 53d disposed in two places. Aninstallation bolt 55 is used for installing the inflator 51 in theinner panel 2 on a side of abody 1. Theinstallation bolt 55 passes through eachinstallation hole 53d. Eachinstallation bolt 55 is screwed in anut 2f of theinner panel 2. Thenut 2f is provided in a location of aninstallation hole 2e. - The
installation portion 53e is provided for installing the assist grips 11A1 and 11A3 and theair bag cover 15A. The installingportion 53e is provided withinstallation holes 53f disposed in two places. In the location of eachinstallation hole 53f, a fixednut 53g, is provided for theinstallation bolt 35. - The assist
grip 11A is made of a soft synthetic resin such as soft vinyl chloride and urethane. The assistgrip 11A comprises acenter grip portion 13 andinstallation portions 12 disposed on the both ends of thegrip portion 13. Eachinstallation portion 12 is provided with aninstallation hole 12a through which theinstallation bolt 35 passes. In eachinstallation portion 12, a fixedcap 12b is disposed for hiding a head of thebolt 35. The assistgrip 11A is disposed on the interior side of a vehicle I in the roof side rail portion RR on the upper edge side of respective openings W1, W2 and W3, as was the case of the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 to 9. Each inflator 51 is disposed toward the outer, or exterior side of a vehicle O in a roughly horizontal direction of the assist grips 11A1 and 11A3 at the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively. The assist grips 11A1 and 11A3 are disposed on the upper edge side of the openings W1 and W3, and are installed in the inflator 51 by means of thebolt 35, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. Theair bag cover 15A is disposed between the respective assist grips 11A1 and 11A3 and theinflator 51. Thebolt 35 is screwed in thenut 53g of theinstallation hole 53f of theinflator installation portion 53e, after having passed through theinstallation holes - The assist grip 11A2 is disposed on the upper edge side of the opening W2, and is installed in the
inner panel 2 by means of thebolt 35, as shown in Figures 7 and 9. Theair bag cover 15A is disposed between the assist grip 11A2 and theinner panel 2. Thebolt 35 used for installing the grip 11A2 is screwed in anut 2b provided in theinner panel 2 in the roof side rail portion RR. Thenut 2b is fixed in a location of aninstallation hole 2a. - In the
air bag cover 15A formed into one body with the roof head lining 5, aninstallation portion 17 is provided in a location for disposing theinstallation portion 12 of each assistgrip 11A, as was the case of the first embodiment. Theinstallation portion 17 comprises aninstallation hole 17b through which theinstallation bolt 35 passing. Theinstallation portion 18 in the first embodiment is not provided in a location for disposing eachinstallation portion 47 of theair bag 43. - In order to mount the head protection air bag apparatus M2 in a vehicle, the
air bag 43 is first folded in a shape of bellows as was the case of the first embodiment. Then, theair bag 43 is wrapped with a tape material, not shown in the drawings, and aninstallation bracket 28 is fixed in eachinstallation portion 47. The respectivegas flow portions small diameter portion 52b of the inflator 51 by means of a clamp not shown in the drawings. As a result, the air bag installation body B, comprising theair bag 43 and the inflator 51 (see Figure 11), is formed. - Each
installation bolt 55 is screwed in thenut 2f, which is in a location of theinstallation hole 2e of theinner panel 2, after having first passed through theinstallation hole 53d. At the same time, eachinstallation bolt 29 is screwed in thenut 2d, which is in a location of theinstallation hole 2c of theinner panel 2, after having first passed through theinstallation hole 47a. Further, the top end of thebelt 48 is fixed in theinner panel 2 in the front pillar portion FP by means of thebolt 49. As a result, the installation of theair bag 43 in theinner panel 2, is accomplished through the installation of the air bag installation body B in a vehicle. - After that, a roof head lining 5 that includes the
air bag cover 15A is formed into one body, and afront pillar garnish 4 and a first and second middle pillar garnishes 7 and 8 of the front pillar portion FP, the first and second middle pillar portions P1 and P2, and the rear pillar portion RP are installed in a vehicle. Thus the air bag apparatus M2 is mounted in the vehicle. - Before installing the roof head lining 5 in a vehicle, each assist
grip 11A is installed in theair bag cover 15A in advance by means of thebolt 35 and aspring plate nut 37. That is, amale screw portion 35b of thebolt 35 passes through theinstallation holes respective installation portions nut 37 is fitted in eachmale screw portion 35b. At this time, abolt head 35a and thenut 37 grip theinstallation portions grip 11A and the air bag cover 15A.Thus, each assistgrip 11A is installed in theair bag cover 15A. - In installing the roof head lining 5 in a vehicle, each
bolt 35 is screwed in the nuts 53g and 2b, which are in locations of theinstallation holes inflator installation portion 53e and theinner panel 2. A portion of theair bag cover 15A, which is not shown in the drawings, is fixed on a side of thebody 1. As a result, the roof head lining 5, and theair bag cover 15A, are formed into one body which can be installed in a vehicle. - In mounting the air bag apparatus M2 in a vehicle, each inflator
main body portion 52 is connected to an operation signal inputting line, which extends from an air bag controlling circuit and which is not shown in the drawings. - When each inflator 51 is activated after the head protection air bag apparatus M2 is mounted in a vehicle, a gas for inflation is emitted from a
gas emitting exit 52c of the inflatormain body portion 52. The gas for inflation flows into the front andrear inflation portions main body portion 44 through thegas flow portions main body portion 44 inflates to tear a tape material not shown in the drawings as well as pushes adoor portion 21 of theair bag cover 15A to open it, as was the case of the first embodiment. As a result, the air bagmain body portion 44 is developed and inflated to cover the openings W1, W2 and W3. - In the head protection air bag apparatus M2 in the second embodiment, each inflator 51 is disposed in a location toward the exterior side of a vehicle O of the assist grips 11A1 and 11A3 to be fixed to the
body 1. Thus, the respective assist grips 11A1 and 11A3 made of a soft synthetic resin such as soft vinyl chloride and urethane play a roll of a cover material for theinflator 51. As a result, the similar operation and effect to the first embodiment can be achieved also in the second embodiment. - Further, in the second embodiment, the decorative or functional design characteristics of the inner side of a vehicle I would not be decreased since the
air bag cover 15A is formed into one body with the roof head lining 5. - In the first and second embodiments, the
air bags air bags - The location for disposing the
inflators inflators assist grip inflators - A condition of the locations of the
inflators inflators - In a head protection air bag apparatus M3 in the third embodiment shown in Figures 13 to 19, one folded
air bag 23A is provided in the front-rear direction on the interior side of a vehicle, as shown in Figure 13. Specifically, theair bag 23A is provided in a periphery on the upper edge side of an opening W of a door or a window portion on the interior side of a vehicle, that is, in a roof side rail portion RR from a front pillar portion FP through a center pillar portion CP, which is a middle pillar portion, to a vicinity of a rear pillar portion RP. - The head protection air bag apparatus M3 comprises the
air bag 23A, aninflator 31, aninstallation bracket 28, anair bag cover 15 and an assistgrip 11. - The head protection air bag apparatus M3 in the third embodiment is mounted in a vehicle in which the middle pillar portion comprises a line of the center pillar portion CP. The head protection air bag apparatus M3 comprises one
air bag 23A and oneinflator 31, and theair bag cover 15 is provided with aninstallation portion 19, as well asinstallation portions - The
air bag 23A is woven into a shape of a bag with a thread made of polyamide or polyester, for example, and comprises amain body portion 24, a plurality ofinstallation portions 26 and agas flow portion 25, as shown in Figures 13 to 16 and 19. Themain body 24 is in a roughly oblong board shape and inflates when a gas for inflation flows into from theinflator 31. Eachinstallation portion 26 is provided with aninstallation hole 26a and disposed on the upper edge side of themain body 24. Thegas flow portion 25 is roughly cylindrical and disposed in the upper part on the front portion side of themain body portion 24. Eachinstallation portion 26 is provided with aninstallation bracket 28 made from a metal plate, as shown in Figures 14 to 16 and 19. Eachinstallation portion 26 is installed in aninner panel 2 on a side of abody 1 in a roof side rail portion RP together with aninstallation bracket 28 by means ofinstallation bolts - The
installation bolt 29 is used for fastening the airbag installation portion 26 and theinstallation portion 18 of theair bag cover 15 together to theinner panel 2 as was the case of the first embodiment. Thebolt 35 is also used for fastening the airbag installation portion 26, theinstallation portion 17 of theair bag cover 15 and aninstallation portion 12 of theassist grip 11 together to theinner panel 2 as was the case of the first embodiment. Theinner panel 2 is provided with nuts 2b and 2d for screwing thebolts installation holes - The inflator 31 is disposed in the upper part on the front portion side of the
air bag 23A, as shown in Figures 13, 14 and 19. The inflator 31 is disposed toward the outer, or exterior side of a vehicle O in an obliquely upper direction of theassist grip 11F so as to be hidden by the assist grip 11 (11F) on the front side. The inflator 31 comprises a cylindricalmain body portion 32 and abracket portion 33 made from a metal plate as was the case of the first embodiment. The main body portion 42 comprises alarge diameter portion 32a and asmall diameter portion 32b having agas emitting exit 32c. Thebracket portion 33 comprises agrip portion 33a having apressing portion 33b for gripping the main body 42 and aninstallation portion 33c. Theinstallation portion 33c is provided in two locations withinstallation holes 33d through which theinstallation bolt 35 passing. - The
gas flow portion 25 of theair bag 23A is connected to the small diameter portion 24c of the inflatormain body portion 24 by means of a clamp not shown in the drawings. - The assist grip 11 (11F and 11B) is provided between the pillar portions FP, CP and RP on the upper edge side of an opening W, as shown in Figures 13, 14, 16 and 19. The assist
grip 11 comprises agrip portion 13 for gripping by a passenger and aninstallation portion 12. Theinstallation portion 12 is disposed on the both ends in the front-rear direction of thegrip portion 13. Each assistgrip 11 comprises acore material 11 made from a metal plate for maintaining the shape and acover layer 11b made of a soft synthetic resin as was the case of the first embodiment. - Each
installation portion 12 comprises aninstallation hole 12a through which theinstallation bolt 35 passes. Eachinstallation portion 12 is fitted into a location on the interior side of a vehicle of eachinstallation portion 17 of theair bag cover 15. In a periphery of eachinstallation hole 12a on the interior side of a vehicle, acap 12b is fixed for hiding thebolt 35. - The
air bag cover 15 is disposed longitudinally in the front-rear direction in the roof side rail portion RR from the front pillar portion PF through the center pillar portion CP to the rear pillar portion RP, as shown in Figures 13 to 19. That is, theair bag cover 15 is disposed as a roof side rail garnish between the lower edge of a roof head lining 5 and the upper edge side of an opening W as was the case of the first embodiment. Theair bag cover 15 is preferably made of a synthetic resin and comprises adoor portion 21 opened by push by the developed and inflatedair bag 23A and ageneral portion 16 on the upper side of thedoor portion 21. On the upper edge side of thedoor portion 21 at a border location between thedoor portion 21 and thegeneral portion 16, athin hinge portion 20 is formed so that thedoor portion 21 opens smoothly. Three kinds ofinstallation portions general portion 16. - The
installation portions installation portions installation holes bottom wall portions installation portion 17 is fastened (fixed) in theinner panel 2 together with aninstallation portion 12 at the both ends in the front-rear direction of the assist grips 11F and 11B and thebracket portion 33 of theinflator 31. Theinstallation portion 18 is fastened (fixed) in theinner panel 2 together with theinstallation portion 26 of theair bag 23A. Between theinstallation portion 17 for disposing theinstallation portion 12 of theassist grip 11F on the front side and theinner panel 2, there is the installingportion 33c of theinflator bracket portion 33, as shown in Figure 14. On the other hand, between theinstallation portion 17 for disposing theinstallation portion 12 of theassist grip 11B on the rear side and theinner panel 2, there is noinflator bracket portion 33. In a location on the interior side of a vehicle of eachinstallation portion 18, fixed acap 18c for hiding thebolt 29. - The
installation portion 19 comprises alock shaft 19a and alock cap 19d. Thelock shaft 19a is made of metal and disposed in a location toward the exterior side of a vehicle of theair bag cover 15. Thelock cap 19d is made of rubber or. a soft synthetic resin and is locked to thelock shaft 19a. Thelock shaft 19a comprises aneck portion 19c and ahead portion 19b. Thehead portion 19b is expanded in a radius direction at the top end of theneck portion 19c. Thelock cap 19d is in a roughly cylindrical shape capable of locking to thehead portion 19b and comprises alock portion 19e, lockgroove 19f andconvex groove 19g. Thelock portion 19e is formed with an increased thickness and is disposed on the top end side of thecap 19d. Thelock groove 19f is disposed in an outer circumference on a base portion side of thelock portion 19e. Theconcave groove 19g is disposed in an outer circumference on a base portion side of thecap 19d. In theinstallation portion 19, thelock cap 19d is mounted outside of thelock shaft 19a in advance. Theinstallation portion 19 is first inserted into aninstallation hole 2h provided in theinner panel 2 to a location of thelock groove 19f. Then, thelock portion 19e of thelock cap 19d is locked to a periphery of the exterior side of a vehicle O of theinstallation hole 2h, so that theinstallation portion 19 can be installed in theinner panel 2. In this installation condition, theair bag cover 15 would move to the interior side of a vehicle I for a distance corresponding to elastic deformation of thelock portion 19e when theair bag cover 15 is strongly pulled to the interior side of the vehicle. However, thehead portion 19b of thelock shaft 19a and thelock portion 19e of thecap 19d are not dropped off from theinstallation hole 2h. As a result, theinstallation portion 19 is firmly installed in theinner panel 2. - In the case of detaching the
installation portion 19 from theinner panel 2 for maintenance or the like, theinstallation portion 19 should be first pushed into the exterior side of a vehicle O. At this time, theinstallation portion 19 is pushed until theconvex groove 19g of thelock cap 19d is disposed in a location of the inner circumference surface of theinstallation hole 2h. A size of the inner diameter of thelock cap 19d is set in advance so that thehead portion 19b of thelock shaft 19a can be pulled out from thelock cap 19d when thelock portion 19e is widened. Thus, thelock shaft 19a can be pulled out from thelock cap 19d and theinstallation hole 2h under a condition that thelock cap 19d is locked to a periphery of theinstallation hole 2h. As a result, theair bag cover 15 can be detached from theinner panel 2. - In an upper location of the center pillar portion CP of the
general portion 16 of theair bag 15, alateral wall portion 16a is formed in a location on the exterior side of a vehicle O in an upper direction of thehinge portion 20, as shown in Figure 17. Thelateral wall portion 16a is reinforced by arib 16b. Thelateral wall portion 16a fills a space between theinner panel 2 above the foldedair bag 23A and theair bag cover 15. - The center pillar portion CP is provided with a
center pillar garnish 67 covering the interior side of the pillar portion CP of a vehicle I. - The lower edge of the
air bag cover 15, that is, alower edge portion 21a of thedoor portion 21 is disposed closer to the interior side of a vehicle I than anupper edge portion 69 of thecenter pillar garnish 67, in a location of the center pillar portion CP. Thelower edge portion 21a is disposed within theconvex recess 69a so that thelower edge portion 21a abuts and overlaps ageneral portion 68 of thecenter pillar garnish 67, so as to be in a same plane with the general portion 68: Anupper edge portion 16c of theair bag cover 15 is also disposed on the interior side of a vehicle I of thelower edge portion 5a, which includes an offset portion that curves towards the exterior side of a vehicle O of the roof head lining 5. Theupper edge portion 16c also abuts the roof head lining 5 so as to be in the same plane as the roof head lining 5. - The
center pillar garnish 67 comprises thegeneral portion 68 and theupper edge portion 69, as shown in Figures 17 and 19. Thegeneral portion 68 covers the interior side of a vehicle I of the center pillar portion CP. Theupper edge portion 69 is disposed on an upper end side of thegeneral portion 68. Theupper edge portion 69 comprises alateral wall portion 69b and aninstallation portion 69c. Thelateral wall portion 69b extends toward the exterior side of a vehicle O from the upper end of thegeneral portion 68 to be in contact with theinner panel 2. The lateral wall portion provides a support surface for the folded air bag 23a. Theinstallation portion 69c extends upward from the top end of thelateral wall portion 69b along theinner panel 2. On a crossing portion of thelateral wall portion 69b and thegeneral portion 68, provided aconvex portion 69a for receiving the top end (lower end) of theupper edge portion 21a of the air bagcover door portion 21. Theinstallation portion 69c is provided with aninstallation hole 69d in a vicinity of both edges of a vehicle in a front-rear direction. Aninstallation bolt 10 passes through eachinstallation hole 69d. Theinstallation bolt 10 is used for fixing thecenter pillar garnish 67 in theinner panel 2 on a side of thebody 1. Theinner panel 2 comprises aninstallation hole 2i so that anut 2j would be provided for screwing theinstallation bolt 10 in a location of aninstallation hole 2i. - On the rear pillar portion PR, provided also a
rear pillar garnish 6 for covering the interior side of a vehicle I of the pillar portion RP. The lower end of thelower edge portion 21a of the air gagcover door portion 21 is disposed on the interior side of a vehicle I from anupper edge portion 6b of therear pillar garnish 6 as was the case of the center pillar portion CP (see reference numbers in a bracket shown in Figure 17). The lower end of thelower edge portion 21a is connected to ageneral portion 6a of therear pillar garnish 6 so as to be in a same plane with thegeneral portion 6a. Therear pillar garnish 6 also comprises thegeneral portion 6a and theupper edge portion 6b. Thegeneral portion 6a covers the interior side of a vehicle I of the rear pillar portion RP. Theupper edge portion 6b is disposed on the upper end side of thegeneral portion 6a. Theupper edge portion 6b comprises alateral wall portion 6d and aninstallation portion 6e. Thelateral wall portion 6d extends to the exterior side of a vehicle O from the upper end of thegeneral portion 6a to be in contact with theinner panel 2. Theinstallation portion 6e extends from the top end of thelateral wall portion 6d along theinner panel 2. At the location where thelateral wall portion 6d and thegeneral portion 6a are attached, aconvex portion 6c is formed for receiving the lower end of thelower edge portion 21a of the air bagcover door portion 21. Theinstallation portion 6e is provided with aninstallation hole 6f. Aninstallation bolt 10 for fixing therear pillar garnish 6 in theinner panel 2 passes through theinstallation hole 6f. - Next, it will be described to mount the head protection air bag apparatus M3 in the third embodiment in a vehicle. First, an air bag installation body A1 is formed. In forming this installation body A1, an
air bag 23A is folded first. In folding theair bag 23A, theair bag 23A is developed flat under a deflated condition. Then, theair bag 23A is folded in a shape of bellows with convex and concave folding lines so that the lower edge side of themain body portion 24 would be adjacent to the upper edge side thereof. After theair bag 23A is folded, atape material 27, which is capable of being torn and which is for preventing theair bag 23A from loosing its folded shape, (see Figures 20 to 22) is wrapped at a predetermined interval. After theair bag 23A is folded, theinstallation bracket 28 is also installed in eachinstallation portion 26. - The
gas flow portion 25 is not folded. Then, thesmall diameter portion 32b of an inflatormain body portion 32 uses a clamp not shown in the drawings to connect to thegas flow portion 25. The inner diameter of theinflator grip portion 33a is shortened so that thebracket portion 33 holds themain body portion 32. - The
predetermined installation portion 26 for theinflator bracket portion 33 and theair bag 23A is disposed in a location proximate to eachinstallation portion 17 of theair bag cover 15 on the exterior side of a vehicle O, as shown in Figure 20. Theinstallation portion 12 of theassist grip 11 is fitted into a location of eachinstallation portion 17 on the interior side of a vehicle I, and then, eachinstallation bolt 35 passes through theinstallation holes spring plate nut 37 is fitted into amale screw portion 35b of eachbolt 35, and further, thecap 12b is fitted into a periphery on the interior side of a vehicle of theinstallation hole 12a. Thespring plate nut 37 is formed from a thin spring plate as described above. Thenut 37 can be easily fitted into themale screw portion 35b so that thenut 37 would be unable to drop off therefrom. - In an
assist grip 11B in the above embodiment, thepredetermined installation portion 26 of theair bag 23A is disposed in a location on the exterior side of a vehicle O of eachinstallation portion 17 of theair bag cover 15 under a condition that there is noinflator bracket portion 33. Theinstallation portion 12 of theassist grip 11B is fitted into a location on the interior side of a vehicle I of eachinstallation portion 17, so that eachinstallation bolt 35 passes through theinstallation holes spring plate nut 37 is fitted into amale screw portion 35b of eachbolt 35, and further, thecap 12b is fitted into a periphery on the interior side of a vehicle of theinstallation hole 12a. - As shown in Figure 21, the air
bag installation portion 26 is disposed in a location on the exterior side of a vehicle O of eachinstallation portion 18 of theair bag cover 15. On eachinstallation portion 26, theinstallation bracket 28 has been fixed in advance. Eachinstallation bolt 29 passes through the installation holes 18b and 26a and thespring plate nut 37 is fitted into amale screw portion 29b of eachbolt 29. Further, thecap 18c is fitted into a location of theinstallation portion 18 on the interior side of a vehicle I. As a result, the air bag installation body A1 is formed. - In the above air bag installation body A1, a
head 35a of theinstallation bolt 35 and thespring plate nut 37 grip a periphery of theinstallation hole 12a of eachinstallation portion 12 of theassist grip 11, thebottom wall portions 17a of the installation portion of theair bag cover 15, theinstallation portion 33c of the bracket portion of the inflator 31, and the airbag installation portion 26. Ahead 35a of theinstallation bolt 35 and thespring plate nut 37 grip a periphery of theinstallation portion 12a of eachinstallation portion 12 of theassist grip 11B, thebottom wall portions 17a of the installation portion of theair bag cover 15 and the airbag installation portion 26. Further, ahead 29a of theinstallation bolt 29 and thespring plate nut 37 grip thebottom wall portions 18a of the installation portion of theair bag cover 15 and the airbag installation portion 26. Thus, in the above air bag installation body A1, the assist grips 11F and 11B, theair bag cover 15, theair bag 23A, and the inflator 31 are installed each other to be formed into one body. - In order to install the air bag installation body A1 in a vehicle, the
caps male screw portion 35b of eachinstallation bolt 35 is screwed in thenut 2b, which is in a location of eachinstallation hole 2a of theinner panel 2. Amale screw portion 29b of eachinstallation bolt 29 is also screwed in thenut 2d disposed at a location of eachinstallation hole 2c of theinner panel 2, and at the same time, eachinstallation portion 19 is inserted into aninstallation hole 2h of theinner panel 2 so as to lock to the periphery of theinstallation hole 2h. Further, thecap 12b is fixed in a location on the interior side of a vehicle of eachinstallation portion 12, and thecap 18c is fixed in a location on the interior side of a vehicle of eachinstallation portion 18. As a result, the air bag installation body A1 can be installed in the roof side rail portion RR, so that the head protection air bag apparatus M3 can be mounted in a vehicle. - In mounting the air bag apparatus M3 on a vehicle, each inflator
main body portion 32 is connected to an operation signal inputting line, which extends from an air bag controlling circuit and which is not shown in the drawings. Before the air bag apparatus M3 is installed, center and rear pillar garnishes 67 and 6 of the center and rear pillar portions CP and RP are installed in theinner panel 2 by means of aninstallation bolt 10 or the like, as shown in Figure 22. Afront pillar garnish 4 of the front pillar portion FP and the roof head lining 5 are further installed in a vehicle in advance. - When inflator 31 is activated after the head protection air bag apparatus M3 is installed in a vehicle, a gas for inflation is emitted from the
gas emitting exit 32c of the inflatormain body portion 32. The gas for inflation flows into each air bagmain body portion 24 through thegas flow portion 25. This causes each air bagmain body 24 to inflate and tear thetape material 27 as well as further pushes thedoor portion 21 of theair bag cover 15 to open it. Themain body portion 24 is developed and inflated so as to cover the opening W. - In the head protection air bag apparatus M3 in the third embodiment, the
lower edge portion 21a of theair bag cover 15 is disposed closer to the interior side of a vehicle I than theupper edge portions lower edge portion 21a can immediately open and move to the interior side of a vehicle I without climbing over theupper edge portions air bag 23A pushes the air bagcover door portion 21. - Accordingly, in the head protection air bag apparatus M3 in the third embodiment, the opening operation of the air bag
cover edge portion 21a operates in a smooth manner, so that development and inflation of theair bag 23A can be completed quickly. - Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the
lower edge portion 21a of theair bag cover 15 is connected in a same plane as thegeneral portions air bag cover 15 and the pillar garnishes 67 and 6 do not decrease. - In the third embodiment, the
upper edge portions inner panel 2 on a side of thebody 1 by means of thelateral wall portions installation portions upper edge portions air bag 23A from entering between the pillar garnishes 67 and 6 and theinner panel 2, when theair bag 23A is developed and inflated. Accordingly, pressure of theair bag 23A can be lead to a side of thelower edge portion 21a of theair bag cover 15. As a result, thedoor portion 21 can easily open and theair bag 23A would project to the interior side of a vehicle I smoothly. - In the third embodiment, the
general portion 16 of theair bag cover 15 comprises thelateral wall portion 16a. Thelateral wall portion 16a fills a space between thegeneral portion 16 of theair bag cover 15 and theinner panel 2, above a location where a space is filled between the pillar garnishes 67 and 6 and theinner panel 2, and at a location above the foldedair bag 23A. Thus, thelateral wall portion 16a prevents theair bag 23A from entering between thegeneral portion 16 of theair bag cover 15 and theinner panel 2, when theair bag 23A is developed and inflated. Accordingly, theair bag 23A is directed to thedoor portion 21 of theair bag cover 15. As a result, theair bag 23A would be able to project smoothly to the interior side of a vehicle I. - In the third embodiment, the
air bag cover 15 is provided on the interior side of a vehicle I within a range from the front pillar portion FP to the rear pillar portion RP with the center pillar portion CP in between as one body integrated. That is, oneair bag cover 15 continuously covers substantially all over the upper edge side of a periphery of the opening W on the interior side of a vehicle I. Thus, in the third embodiment as was the first embodiment, a design characteristic of the interior side of a vehicle I can be improved compared with the case that the air bag cover is disposed in parts on the interior side of a vehicle. - Further, in the third embodiment, the
upper edge portion 16c of theair bag cover 15 covers the interior side of a vehicle I of thelower edge portion 5a of the roof head lining 5 disposed above theair bag cover 15. That is, theupper edge portion 16c is disposed on the interior side of a vehicle I of the roof head lininglower edge portion 5a to be connected to the roof head lining 5. Thus, there is no problem even when a terminal treatment such as trimming of the roof head lininglower edge portion 5a is insufficient. This is because the air bag coverupper edge portion 16c covers the roof head lininglower edge portion 5a. Then, the terminal treatment of the roof head lininglower edge portion 5a can be easily performed. Decrease of the appearance design of the roof head lining 5 can be also controlled. The roof head lining 5 is usually vacuum molded and its terminal is given a trimming treatment. In the case that the terminal is exposed toward the interior side of a vehicle I, a terminal treatment such as trimming has been performed carefully with many processes so that the appearance design would not be decreased. - Moreover, in the third embodiment, the air bag apparatus M3 comprises the air bag installation body A1. The air bag installation body A1 is formed by installing into one body the
assist grip 11, theair bag 23A, theinflator 31 and theair bag cover 15 by means of theinstallation bolts spring plate nut 37. Thus, in installing the air bag apparatus M3 in a vehicle, only installing in a vehicle the air bag installation body A1 formed into one body can mount the air bag apparatus M3 in the vehicle. As a result, effectiveness in operation for installing the air bag apparatus M3 in a vehicle can be improved. Handling such as transportation and control of each member before installation in a vehicle would be easy, of course, since the air bag apparatus M3 is formed into one body as the air bag installation body A1. - In the head protection air bag apparatus M3 in the third embodiment, of course, the
inflator 31 is disposed in a location on the exterior side of a vehicle O of theassist grip 11F to be fixed in theinner panel 2 on a side of thebody 1. That is, theassist grip 11F functions as a cover material of theinflator 31. The assist grip itself is provided with thecore material 11a made of a metal, while it is provided on its surface side with thecover layer 11b. Thecover layer 11b is made of a soft synthetic resin such as soft vinyl chloride and urethane so as to provide a cushion characteristic. - Therefore, a passenger will impact the
assist grip 11F, which has the characteristic of a cushion, in situations when the passenger would impact the inflator. As a result, the impact of the passenger is less injurious than an impact in situations when no assist grip is provided. - In the third embodiment, the
inflator 31 is disposed in the roof side rail portion RR between the front pillar portion FP and the center pillar portion CP. However, the inflator 31 may be disposed in a location proximate to the assistgrip 11B, between the center pillar portion CP and the rear pillar portion RP, provided that thegas flow portion 25 of theair bag 23A corresponds to the arrangement. - Further, an arrangement may be that of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 23, so arranged so that the
door portion 21 of theair bag cover 15 can open smoothly. In the head protection air bag apparatus M4 in the fourth embodiment, aninflator 31A is fixed in theinner panel 2 of the rear pillar portion RP so as to be covered by therear pillar garnish 6. Theinflator 31A comprises amain body portion 32 and abracket portion 33. Themain body portion 32 is in a cylindrical shape and emits a gas for inflation. Thebracket portion 33 grips themain body portion 32. Thebracket portion 33 fixes themain body portion 32 in theinner panel 2 by means ofbolt 75. Anair bag 23B comprises amain body portion 24 covering an opening W, aninstallation portion 26, and agas flow portion 25. Thegas flow portion 25 is provided in an upper part of the rear end of themain body portion 24. Thegas flow portion 25 is connected to the inflatormain body portion 32 by means of aclamp 76. - There is also no inflator 31 provided in a location proximate to the assist
grip 11F on the front side, or proximate to the assistgrip 11B. - Other portions are the same as the third embodiment. An
upper edge portion 6b of therear pillar garnish 6 is disposed only in a location of the air bag, which is developed and inflated. That is, a part of alateral wall portion 6d (see Figure 17) is opened in an upper location, where theinflator 31A is disposed, so that thegas flow portion 25 can be connected to the inflatormain body portion 32. - The air bag apparatus M4 comprises an air bag installation body B1 that includes the assist grips 11F and 11B, the
air bag cover 15 and theair bag 23B, formed into one body by means of thebolts nut 37. The air bag installation body B1 similar to the air bag installation body A1 in the third embodiment with the inflator 31 is detached from the air bag installation body A1 - Accordingly, also in the fourth embodiment, the
air bag 23B and theair bag cover 15 are formed into one installation body B1 that can be installed in the vehicle body. Accordingly, the ease of installation for installing the air bag apparatus M4 in a vehicle is improved. - The
gas flow portion 25 is connected in advance to the inflatormain body portion 32, which is being covered by therear pillar garnish 6, by means of theclamp 76. The air bag installation body B1 is installed in theinner panel 2 by means of thebolts - It may be possible to install in advance the
inflator 31A in the air bag installation body B1 by means of theclamp 76. In this case, theinflator 31A is fixed in theinner panel 2 on a back surface side of therear pillar garnish 6 by means of an opening portion of thelateral wall portion 6d when the air bag installation body B1 is installed in a vehicle. After that, the air bag installation body B1 is installed in theinner panel 2 by means of thebolts - Of course, other operations and effects can be obtained in the air bag apparatus M4 in the fourth embodiment as was the case of the third embodiment.
- The head protection air bag apparatuses M1 and M2 in the first and second embodiments are mounted in a vehicle, which is provided with two middle pillar portions P1 and P2 between the front pillar portion FP and the rear pillar portion RP.
- The head protection air bag apparatuses M3 and M4 in the third and fourth embodiments are mounted in a vehicle, which is provided with a center pillar portion CP as a middle pillar portion between the front pillar portion FP and the rear pillar portion RP.
- The head protection air bag apparatus according to the invention, however, can be mounted in a vehicle having a different number of middle pillar portions. That is, the head protection air bag apparatus according to the invention can be mounted in a vehicle, which is provided with one, two, three or more middle pillar portions between the front pillar portion FP and the rear pillar portion RP.
- It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that changes and modifications can be made to elements of this invention that would remain within the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.
- A head protection air bag apparatus comprises an air bag, an air bag cover for covering the air bag, an inflator for supplying the air bag with a gas for inflation, and an assist grip. The inflator is fixed to a body of a vehicle at a location toward the exterior side of a vehicle relative to the assist grip. The assist grip is provided on its exterior surface with a cover layer having the characteristic of a cushion, so that an impact with the inflator will be cushioned by the assist grip.
Claims (5)
- A head protecting airbag apparatus (M3; M4) comprising an airbag (23A; 23B) and an airbag cover(15), the airbag (23A; 23B) being folded and covered by the airbag cover (15) arranged in the roof side rail portion (RR) on the upper edge of opening in the interior side (I) of the vehicle in undeployed condition, and upon deployment, the airbag (23A; 23B) pushing open the airbag cover (15) to protrude for covering a pillar garnish disposed at the vehicle's interior side (I) of a pillar, characterized in that:the airbag (23A; 23B) comprises a main body (A1; B1) to be inflated with inflation gas from an inflator (31; 31A), the main body (A1; B1) inflated covering the pillar garnishes disposed at the vehicle's interior side (I) of a middle pillar (CP) and a rear pillar (RP), as well as the opening (W) ;the airbag cover (15) is arranged along the vehicle's longitudinal direction in a position between the pillar garnishes and a roof head lining (5) at the middle pillar (CP) and the rear pillar (RP); andthe airbag 23; 23A), the airbag cover (15) and the inflator (31) are assembled together to form an airbag installation body (A1; B1) for attachment to the vehicle as one integrated piece.
- A head protecting airbag apparatus (M3; M4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the airbag installation body (A1; B1) further comprises an assist grip (11; 11B, 13) assembled thereto.
- A head protecting airbag apparatus (M3; M4) according to claim 2, characterized in that:the assist grip (11; 11B, 13) comprises a grip portion (13) and an installation portion (12) disposed on both ends of the grip portion (13);the inflator (31) comprises a main body (32) for discharging inflation gas, and a bracket portion (33) for holding the main body (32) and attaching the same to the vehicle body; andthe airbag cover (15) comprises an installation portion (17, 18) to which the assist grip installation portion (12) is mounted, the airbag cover installation portion (17, 18) being fastened to the vehicle body together with the assist grip installation portion (12) and the inflator bracket (33).
- A head protecting airbag apparatus (M3; M4) according to claim 2, characterized in that the airbag installation body (A1; B1) comprises a plurality of assist grips (11; 11B, 13) assembled thereto.
- A head protecting airbag apparatus (M3; M4) according to either one of claim 1 to claim 4 , characterized in that the airbag cover (15) is arranged in the roof side rail portion (RR) from the front pillar (FP) to the rear pillar (RP) through the middle pillar (CP).
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2000138958A JP4633228B2 (en) | 2000-05-11 | 2000-05-11 | Head protection airbag device |
JP2000138958 | 2000-05-11 | ||
JP2000157293A JP4432209B2 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2000-05-26 | Head protection airbag device |
JP2000157293 | 2000-05-26 | ||
EP01111350A EP1153807B1 (en) | 2000-05-11 | 2001-05-09 | Head protection air bag apparatus |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01111350A Division EP1153807B1 (en) | 2000-05-11 | 2001-05-09 | Head protection air bag apparatus |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1362750A2 true EP1362750A2 (en) | 2003-11-19 |
EP1362750A3 EP1362750A3 (en) | 2005-03-09 |
Family
ID=26591712
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01111350A Expired - Lifetime EP1153807B1 (en) | 2000-05-11 | 2001-05-09 | Head protection air bag apparatus |
EP03017752A Withdrawn EP1362750A3 (en) | 2000-05-11 | 2001-05-09 | Head protection air bag apparatus |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01111350A Expired - Lifetime EP1153807B1 (en) | 2000-05-11 | 2001-05-09 | Head protection air bag apparatus |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6485048B2 (en) |
EP (2) | EP1153807B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60113330T2 (en) |
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GB2444248A (en) * | 2006-11-29 | 2008-06-04 | Nissan Motor Mfg | A component for mounting an assist grip and deflecting an expanding airbag within a vehicle |
EP1927518A3 (en) * | 2006-11-29 | 2009-05-20 | Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd. | Vehicle structures or components defining a deployment control surface for an airbag |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE60113330D1 (en) | 2005-10-20 |
US6485048B2 (en) | 2002-11-26 |
EP1153807A1 (en) | 2001-11-14 |
DE60113330T2 (en) | 2006-06-22 |
EP1362750A3 (en) | 2005-03-09 |
US20010040361A1 (en) | 2001-11-15 |
EP1153807B1 (en) | 2005-09-14 |
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